Before the inception of the Old Seminary in 1815, Kottayam Cheriapally was the Headquarters of the Church and Malankara Metropolitans for a long time.

Many stories and legends regarding the establishment and evolution of Christianity in Central Travancore surrounds this church.

King Kothavarma, who was ruling the kingdom during that period, provided them land for constructing the church, without levying tax.

The church was built by Portuguese architect Antony and his team along with the craftsmen of the Thekkumkore Kingdom (old Kottayam) in 1579.

The Holy girdle was presented by Ignatius Yacub III, the Patriarch of Antioch to Baselios Augen I, the then Catholicos & Malankara Metropolitan who ceremoniously installed it at Kottayam Cheriapally on 16 January 1966.

[citation needed] Built in the Portuguese-Baroque-Keralite style, the mural art on the church interiors depicts the major incidents in Jesus Christ's life.

The eastern side of the church wall portrays the major happenings in the life of the Lord's mother.

The rare paintings, which are believed to be more than 300 years old, at the holy sanctuary (madhaba) of the church were brought back without losing on their aesthetic quality.

Its European architectural style galleries, large granite pillars, cornices and pediments make it an attractive building.

Anappalla (elephant belly) style compound wall, characteristic of ancient temples in Kerala is another attraction in Kottayam Cheriapally.

With its unique features and the exciting tales surrounding it, Kottayam Cheriapally is a must-visit for those inclined towards traditional buildings and architecture.

It was his suggestion during the time of Mar Thoma IX to establish the Syrian seminary at Kottayam, Kerala's first educational institution.

The Ruler of Travancore Rani Gouri Parvathi Bhai, gave a number of privileges to the Seminary.

He encouraged Anglican Missionary Benjamin Bailey to translate the Bible and helped Norton to spread the Word.

Baselios Marthoma Mathews 1 Catholicos consecrated him as Youhanon Mar Athanasios at Pazhanji Church on 15 May 1978, along with four others.

Mar Athanasios entered his eternal abode on 12 October 1980, and was laid to rest at Bethany Asram.

The Dormition of Mother Mary or holy Theotokos occupies the most important place in the Orthodox Church next to that of Jesus Christ.

It is indeed a great feast which depicts ‘falling asleep’ of the Mother of God and taking her body up into heaven by angels.