Introduction

While delving into the history of the Malankara Church, I stumbled upon a curious historical event: the Arthat Padiyola. This 1806 declaration by the believers led by Mar Dionysius U (Mar Thoma VI) in front of the St. Mary's Orthodox Cathedral, in Arthat, Kerala, piqued my interest immediately.

Unfortunately, scant details and research works have been documented on the Arthat Padiyola. This lack of information only fuels one's curiosity. What exactly did this declaration entail? What circumstances led to this bold move? This article is a product of that burning curiosity. We will explore what little is known about the Arthat Padiyola, its potential significance, and the lingering questions that surround this enigmatic episode in the history of the Malankara Church.

History of the Cathedral

St. Mary's Orthodox Cathedral, located in Arthat, Thrissur (Diocese of Kunnamkulam), claims a rich history dating back to the 1st century CE. Local tradition links this parish to the mission effort of St. Thomas, one of Christ's Apostles, and the contributions of native historians - particularly Fr. Joseph Cheeran - have posited that this parish was the original Thomasine church of Palur / Palayur, and not the nearby one under the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church.

It is important to note that this parish didn't participate in the Synod of Diamper 1599, thereby safeguarding itself from Roman influence. Destroyed during Tipu Sultan’s military expedition into Kunnamkulam region, and rebuilt over time, the church is a testament to the enduring faith of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. The parish is currently the largest by membership within the Church.

Padiyola and its Context

Mal. padiyola refers to a formal and agreed document of faith and practices, representing a collective and formal assertion by a religious community, encapsulating their beliefs, practices, and sometimes, their stance on ecclesiastical matters. The Arthat Padiyola, in particular, stands as a declaration of independence and a statement of identity by the Miaphysite Thomasine Christians of Malankara.

The early 19th century was a tumultuous period for the Malankara Church. Several factors contributed to the creation of the Arthat Padiyola, which may be summarized into four central points.

1. Anglican Influence: During this period, an Anglican mission led by Fr. Claudius Buchanan, had completed their visit to Malankara. He suggested that the Church of England (i.e. Anglican Church) and the Malankara Church enter into communion. While Fr. Buchanan supported the efforts of the church to translate the Gospels into Malayalam and helped preserve the ancient scriptures that the church possessed, communion wasn't something the Malankara Church wanted to pursue, since the confession of the CoE, being Protestant, was heterodox. This proposed union with the Anglican Church was a significant source of tension.
2. Roman Missionary Activities: Parallel to the Anglican influence, the Latin Church was also active in the region, spreading its beliefs among the Orthodox and causing disputes over parish ownership. The missionary activities of the Latin Church, particularly among Orthodox believers living in areas with a strong presence of Syrian Catholics, further strained the relationships within the Christian community in Kerala.
3. 'Nestorian' Church's Endeavors: The Church of the East (modern-day Assyrian Church of the East), which had a widespread influence throughout the Orient - including India - in the earlier days, was also attempting to revive its influence in Malankara by sending prelates for mission. While they were largely unsuccessful with the Orthodox, they made inroads with the Syrian Catholic community.
4. See of Antioch's Interference: Finally, the See of Antioch (i.e. Syriac Orthodox Church) was gradually working towards effectively incorporating Malankara within its jurisdiction. The independence was highly valued by the local community and had been affirmed in the Coonen Cross Oath. In the 1770s, Mor Gregorios, an Antiochene prelate, had allegedly consecrated Kattumangatt Kurien as a bishop, 'Mar Koorilose', and declared him as his successor. This consecration happened at a time when the West Syriac prelates held tensed relations with the then Malankara Metropolitan, Mar Thoma VI (Mar Dionysius I), and the native communities, eventually leading to the first schism caused by Antiochene interference. Even though the schism was complete by the time of the Padiyola, there were efforts by Mar Koorilose's successors to gain importance. Since 1794, the only Syriac prelate in Malankara was Mor Dioscorus, who was deported right around the time of the Padiyola, following numerous complaints to the Government.

Text and Details of the Padiyola

Padiyola executed by all Puthenkur Syrians of Arthat church, before the presence of our Bava Mar Dionysius, in the month of Makaram of 981 Kollam [era]: Some among our people have turned to the Roman faith by giving heed to their heterodox teachings, dividing the church and its properties by drawing lots. Since this lapse has led to much distress, to avoid such [situations] occurring again in the future, we agree [and henceforth declare that] we shall never obey the teachings and traditions of any metran [bishop] from Rome, or Babylon, or Antioch, or any other foreign land at any period of time, and rather obey [only] the ancient faith and precepts of our Saint Thomas, the Apostle.

Signed as agreed at the nada (step-stone) of the Arthat Church of the Mother of [our] God. Vicar - Thekkakara Kuriyathu Kathanar [Sign], Panakkal Tharu [Sign], Kuthoor Chummar [Sign], Koalady Ittoop [Sign], Kakkachery Mathu [Sign], Chungathu Iyavu [Sign], Tholathu Pathu [Sign], Cheeran Pathu [Sign], Cheruvathoor Kunjathu [Sign], Pulikkottil Tharu [Sign], Kidangen Cherunny [Sign], Mundubal Kunjithu [Sign], Thengumkal Kuriyakku [Sign].

The Padiyola was written in the vattezhuttu script of Malayalam, on Makaram, 981 M.E. (February 1806). The plate was lost, only to be rediscovered in the mid-20th century by a team led by Fr. Cheeran, and was published for the first time in 1968. Signed by twelve prominent families of the parish, it was a bold assertion of the Malankara Church's independence and a reaffirmation of its unique identity amidst various external pressures.

Conclusion

The Arthat Padiyola stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of the Malankara Orthodox Church. In the face of external pressures from the Protestants, the Latin Catholics, the Assyrians, and the Antiochene Syriac Orthodox, the community at St. Mary's Orthodox Cathedral in Arthat boldly asserted their independence and commitment to their faith.

— Written by Joseph Anthony.