Kudassanad is a Christian dominated township blessed with great natural beauty. The early Christians of this area are believed to have come from the regions of Nilackal. Archaeological evidence proves that up to 14th century Nilackal was a thriving Christian settlement. The Christian communities enjoyed here a wholesome and vibrant life, interacting with the neighboring kingdoms. However, gradually they had to flee to other areas, such as Aruvithura, Chengannur, Kallooppara, Kanjirappally, Kodassanad (Kudassanad), Mallappally, Poonjar, Ranni, Thumpamon and Vaypur due to certain natural calamity or as a result of the depredations of folks from the neighboring areas. The newcomers found the place congenial for cultivation and conducting trade. The Kings of Pandalam dynasty, the erstwhile rulers, gave them land and enabled them to practice their religion. The Kudassanad St. Stephens Cathedral is a very ancient and famous parish unit in the Diocese of Chengannur of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. It is situated in the Centre of palamel and Kurampala villages. Our forefathers worshipped firstly in St. Thomas Cathedral Kadampanad and afterwards in St. Marys Cathedral, Thumpamon. Due to the long journey of worship, they decided to build a church at Kudassanad itself. Firstly they decided to build the church at Pappadikoikkal junction, but due to some problems, they changed their decision and selected “Vyippin kunnu”, a near by mountain (later it is renamed as St. Stephen’s Mount) and constructed a small church with Bamboos and palm leaves. (On every year, there is a church procession is Pappadikoiekal junction on the main day of the fest of St. Stephen’s)

Stages of Growth

It is firmly believed that the present church is the fourth one. The previous church the third one, was established in 1872. It was very beautiful with different kinds of art works and picture of St. Stephen. After 100 years in 1972 H. G. Daniel Mar Philoxenos, Metropolitan of Thumpamon Diocese, laid the foundation stone for the present church. On 23rd January 1984 the church was consecrated by H.H. Baselios Mathews I, the Catholicose of the East, as chief celebrant and H.G. Daniel Mar Philoxenose as co-celebrant. Rev. Fr. K. M. Thomas was the Vicar of the church On 1989 April 22nd H.G. Daniel Mar Philoxenose, declared the Parish as a Cathedral of Malankara Orthodox Church. Before the establishment of Chengannur Diocese in 1985, this Cathedral was the part of of Kollam and then Thumpamon Diocese. It was the one and only Cathedral in the Diocese of Chengannur at the beginning.

Feasts, Celebrations, Special programs

The main feast is on Makaram 7th and 8th(Malayalam date), the day of Holy feast of St. Stephen. The festival celebrated for 10 days. On 7th there were special prayers for the passed parish priests and all the diseased at the cemetery and there is a procession in the night. (To cover the limits of the parish, there should be festival procession of consecutives three years). On 8th, there will be Holy Qurbana and thereafter public meals to all the participants. From 2 p.m. onwards there will be grand procession from the Cathedral to Pappadikoyikal junction where our forefathers first planned to construct the church but changed that idea due to some reasons. This procession continues from generations without fail. Besides the most important festival Other feasts were conducting Holy Mary, St.Thomas, St. George, St. st. Gregorios of Parumala.

Establishment Of Holy Relics & declaration as Pilgrim Center