KOTTAYAM: The tombs of the five archdeacons of St Thomas Christians at Kuravilangadu have become a centre of pilgrimage for all Christians. The archdeacons were descendants of 'Pakalomattam' family who were believed to have been baptised by St Thomas apostle. The archdeacons-- 'Geevarghese of Cross,' 'Geevarghese of Christ,' 'Archdeacon Mathayi,' Archdeacon Kunju Mathai, and Archdeacon Thomas'-- discharged the administrative functions of St Thomas Christians during the period from the 4th century to the 16th.. The tombs situated in the property of the family are now owned by the Martha Mariyam Forane Church, Kuravilangadu.
The archdeacons exercised power over the administrative as well as the temporal assets of the church. They also assisted in the spiritual needs of the faithful. "Many believers belonging to various Christian groups visit the tombs which symbolise the importance of communal harmony and unity among the people," Father Joseph Thadathil, vicar of the Martha Mariyam Forane Church, told DC.
The archdeacons appointed priests in the churches to collect the monetary share for the bishops and the patriarchs and settled disputes among the believers. The King of Cochin gave the symbolic titles for the archdeacons. Three tombs are situated near and two on both sides. They are constructed on 22 'Kalinkal' pillars having 44 feet length and 34 feet width. They have immense historical importance for the St Thomas Christians who were united till 1665 when they were divided as Malabar Church and Malankara Church.
