St. Antony The Abbot Church, Elamthottam
Established in 1872, St Antony the Abbot’s Church, Elamthottam, holds a unique place among the parishes of the Eparchy of Pala (Syro-Malabar Church). Ranked 35th among the 171 parishes of the diocese, it began with just 60 families and now serves over 310 inside and 40 outside its parish boundaries.
Known by names such as Antony the Abbot, Antony the Great, St Antony of Egypt, and St Antony of the Desert, our patron is venerated deeply. Notably, this is the only church in Kerala dedicated to the pioneer of Christian monasticism, making it truly exceptional.
The feast of St Antony is joyfully celebrated during the last week of November every year. In addition, a weekly novena is prayed every Thursday after Holy Qurbana at 6:15 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., drawing the faithful to reflect on his spiritual legacy.
Historically, the parishioners have fiercely protected their Thomistic ecclesiastical tradition during colonial times, resisting Latinization. This strong commitment even led to their brief alignment with Mar Abdiso (Anthonichan Thondanattu), who had been consecrated by the then non-Catholic Patriarch of Babylon.
From 1884, the parish church served as the cathedral for Mar Abdiso for nearly a decade, plunging the community into a schism. Through sustained efforts and pastoral dedication, the parish was eventually restored to communion. It became a chapel under Valiyapally of Pala in 1911 and was established as a full-fledged parish in 1960.
The present church was consecrated by Mar Joseph Kallarangatt on 26th November 2006. Since 1917, the parish has been led by 44 dedicated vicars. Among its devout traditions, the parish continues to solemnly celebrate the Dukrana of Mar Thoma Sleeha, expressing its unwavering connection to the apostolic heritage of the Mar Thoma Nazranis.