Notes

Syriac inscriptions at Kaduthuruthy, Thazhathupally

Syriac inscriptions at St. Mary's Church, Thazathupally, Kaduthuruthy, Kottayam Dt. Kerala. Dr. Joseph J. Palackal in conversation with Fr. Augustine Kandathikudilil. This church underwent renovation recently. Fr. Sebastian Kollaparambil decided to retain the Syriac inscriptions that were part of the older church. The original inscriptions go to back to a time when Syro Malabar Catholics were at least partially literate in Syriac. That situation changed after 1962 when the Syro Malabar Church translated the liturgy into Malayalam. The generations that came afterward did not need to know Syriac. Yet, it is commendable that the Vicar decided to reinstate those inscriptions for the current and forthcoming generations to be curious. It also indicates a new interest in the Syriac heritage among the young clergy and faithful in the Syro Malabar Church. Of special significance is the depiction of "Yah" on the front side of the tabernacle. We are grateful to Fr. Augustine Kandathikudilil, who is the Assistant Vicar, for explaining these inscriptions.