Tharakan, around AD 1750, that the Kalloopara St. Mary's Orthodox church was ordered to be demolished by a Judge from Travancore High Court of Quilon, as the church had incurred huge debts. Adangappurathu Valiya Avirah Tharakan was grandson of Avirah Tharakan of Sankara Puri and Maria/Shri Devi – niece of the Edappally King; the couple came and settled down in Puramattam at "vacated Theramel Illam" in AD 1669. After the court hearings, the judge ordered the entire church building to be demolished and its land to be taken over by the creditor (Pocku Moosa Haji – Quilon). Church members went across the river and informed Valiya Avirah Tharakan. Valiya Avirah Tharakan immediately paid off all of its debts by a form of gold "bananas" from the ara ('safe'), and took control of the church and its property. While holding complete control of Perumpranad district on behalf of the Edappally King, Valiya Avirah Tharakan at his own cost took the privilege of rebuilding St. Mary's Orthodox Church for a better outlook (around AD 1755). Some parts of that construction and artwork of the church are still remarkably visible inside, particularly the altar and the roof areas. In recent years, this historical church has grown remarkably as a result of the constant efforts of its enthusiastic members and the outstanding leadership of its vicars from time to time. Many parts of the church were renovated and more buildings were built for other activities to keep up with the pace. In AD 1669, when Avirah Tharakan of Shankara Puri and his wife Maria/Shri Devi (niece of Edappally King) arrived, they restored law and order in the Perumpanad district (Kallooppara was the headquarters of Perumpanad district). All religious groups have lived in harmony since then and no more blood was shed in the region in the name of religion. Today, this beautiful church remains not only as one of the oldest churches in Travancore, but it also has its own unique pride and credibility in the Malankara Orthodox Church as a pilgrim center. The Aaruveedan family stood courageously for the existence of this church despite of many obstacles as a result of religious riots and conflicts up until 1750. References External links Website of Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church www.kalloopparapally.com http://www.adangapurathu.com Churches in Pathanamthitta district Malankara Orthodox Syrian church buildings Churches completed in 1339 14th-century churches in India