St. George's Syro Malabar Forane Church, locally known as Edapally Church is a Catholic pilgrimage church in Edapally, Kochi, India. Asia's largest shrine to Saint George, about five million people visit it every year.

St. George's Forane Church

St. George's Forane Church

10°1′19″N 76°18′19″E

Location
Edappally, Kochi

Country
India

Denomination
Syro-Malabar Catholic Church

Website
www.edappallystgeorge.org

History

Former name(s)
Mart Mariam Church

Status
Church

Founded
c. AD 593; 1426 years ago

Dedication
Saint George 
(Formerly Mary)

Consecrated
19 April 2015

Architecture

Functional status
Active

Architect(s)
Vastushilpalaya, Thiruvananthapuram

Groundbreaking
1 January 2001

Completed
19 April 2015

The church is thought to have been founded in 593 AD. It is regarded as one of the oldest churches in Kerala, after the seven churchesfounded by Thomas the Apostle in the first century AD. The church was originally dedicated to the Virgin Mary (Marth Mariam). In 1080, a new church was built adjacent to the old church. A nine-day festival is celebrated annually as part of the Feast of Saint George (23 April).The church, also a destination for non-Christians, attracts offerings of gold, chicken, and eggs.

St. George's Forane Church, north-east of Kochi, is 500 metres from the intersection of NH 66 and NH 544. The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport in Nedumbassery, about 22 km from the church. The Edappally railway station is 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) away.Kochi Metro, the city's rail network, runs in front of the church.