Feast of St. George at Puthuppalli – The Oriental Georgian Pilgrim Center
Indian Orthodox Church
By:
B.J.Mathews
INDIA/KERALA/PUTHUPPALLI: Flag for the annual feast of St. George was hoisted today at St. George Orthodox Church, Puthuppalli, the Oriental Georgian Pilgrim Center. Not only Christians, but people from all religions put their faith and refuge in the intercession of St. George at Puthuppalli Church, which elders of the region have always boldly vouchsafed.
The local tradition to hoist flag at Puthuppalli is unique. Mainly families from two adjacent villages, namely, Puthuppalli and Ericadu, constitute members of St. George Orthodox Church, Puthuppalli. Therefore, these two villagers donate two flagpoles and bring them ceremoniously as processions to the Church every year. Thus, there will always be two flagpoles for the annual feast of St. George at Puthuppalli Church.
The tradition is that before 10 days of the final feast day, precisely on Medam 15th, according to the Malayalam Calendar, the flags are to be hoisted. For the next ten days there will be special fireworks and percussional demonstrations at the foot of the flagpoles. All activities connected to the flagpole will be with permission and prayers of the clergy. The Cross at the pinnacle of the flagpole will be blessed by priests and first flag will also be tied by priests.
On Wednesday, April 28, 2010, in the afternoon, Secretary to the Holy Episcopal Synod, Dr. Mathews Mar Severios hoisted flags. On the eve of the feast day, namely, Medam 23rd, Malayalam Calendar, (May 6th), pilgrims start to flow to the Church. By midday the Church will literally be an ocean of pilgrims.
To coordinate various programs in connection with the annual feast of St. George at Puthuppalli, there will be a special meeting of various department heads under the presidentship of Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO), Kottayam. Kottayam District Collector declared Puthuppalli as ‘festival area’.
There are always special bus services for the better commute of pilgrims, including those of Kerala State Road Transport Corporation, from all adjacent towns, namely, Kottayam, and Changanassery. Pilgrims are expected from neighboring states of Kerala, Tamilnadu and Karnataka as well. Those from far away places will get basic lodging at Church premises, according to the office bearers of Puthuppalli Church.
