Celebrating 425 Years: The Historic Udayamperoor Synod Anniversary on August 22 – A Tribute to Heritage and Unity
The Kerala Region Latin Catholic Council Heritage Commission (KRLCC) will celebrate the 425th anniversary of the Synod of Udayamperoor on August 22. Organised with the support of the Archdiocese of Varapuzha, the event will feature workshops and discussions highlighting the synod’s significant impact on the Kerala Church and society.
The 1599 synod marked a renaissance for the Kerala Church, banning practices deemed inconsistent with Catholic tenets, as stated by KRLCC Vice President Joseph Jude. It identified and eliminated superstitions and wrongful practices, also tackling caste discrimination and brutal punishments tied to caste rule violations.
While the synod initiated widespread reforms, it also sparked controversy over the perceived “Latinisation” of the Kerala Church. Many Marthoma Nazranis, or St. Thomas Christians, opposed this move to replace indigenous customs, ultimately leading to the historic Oath of Koonamkurisu in 1653.
The anniversary programmes will be held at the Pastoral Orientation Centre in Palarivattom. Church historian Kuriakose Kumbalkkuzhi will speak on the Kerala Renaissance’s beginnings at 2:30 p.m., while Kerala Knowledge Economy Mission Director P.S. Sreekala will discuss the first complete Malayalam prose composition. This commemoration aims to reflect on the historical synod’s profound influence on religious and social structures in Kerala.
Original Story https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/425th-anniversary-celebrations-of-udayamperoor-synod-today/article68550334.ece
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