MAR ABO FESTIVAL

   Mar Abo festival of the Thevalakara Marthamariyam orthodox Syrian church near Kollam will be held from January 30 to February 8.
    Mar Abo who hailed from Niveveh in the erstwhile Persia, reached Kollam during the eighth century and rebuilt Tharissa church using the special privileges accorded by the then ruler of Kulashekarapuram.
   The original Tharissa church is believed to have been established by saint Thomas the Apostle. That church later got destroyed by a severe storm. Mar  abo had established churches at places including Kadamattam, Kayamkulam and Niranom. The renowned Kadamattathu Kathanar is believed to be a disciple of Mar Abo


Prof.John Kurakar