St. George Ferona Church – Edappally

St. George Ferona Church – Edappally

St. George Ferona Church, also known as St. George’s Forane Church, is located on Edappally Road, Kochi, Ernakulam, in the state of Kerala in India. This church is one of the top-visited Kochi tourist places due to the legend of St. George. When Emperor Diocletian ruled Rome, St. George was a military officer in the Army and was the Emperor’s guard. However, St. George was faithful to Christianity, which resulted in his death in AD 303. 

History

The St. George Ferona Church has a rich history. The locality had no particular Church to go to, except for the Church at Parur, which was founded by St. Thomas. As a result, Christians in that area were troubled. With Elangalloor Swaroopam, sufficient land was allotted for the construction of a church as Edappally in AD 593. The Arabian Sea reached the church at that time.

With time devotees increased. Slowly, the church became a part of Kochi tourism, even in ancient times. As a result, the St. George Ferona Church was reconstructed in AD 1080. This newly constructed church had a picture of the Virgin Mary and was bigger. The façade has also been changed a lot over time. The foundation stone of the original church is still intact and found in the modern-day St. George Ferona Church.

The Well

Another reason why this church is one of the top places to visit in Kochi is because of the well. An ancient well lies close to the St. George Ferona Church and is supposed to be holy. In earlier times, people used to believe that the water of the well could cure any disease and grant someone with everlasting youth and immortality. 

At present, a water level of 2 meters is always maintained in this well. For the devotees and those who visit this church as a part of Kochi tour package, drink the water of this well and even carry it home in water bottles.