St. Gabriel Valiyapally Nallila

In early days, the forefathers went to Kundara Valiyapally, situated about 8 kms from Nallila, for worship. The foundation stone for a church with St. Gabriel as its patron saint was laid by H.G Pulikkottil Joseph Mar Dionysius in 27 February, 1890. This was accomplished, thanks to auspicious leadership of the elders of 8 Orthodox families from Nallila. A beautiful church was completed as a result of the hard work of the parish members. Kundara Kizhakevila Valiyachan and Thenguvila Abraham Kathanar served as vicars during those days. Rev Fr V K Daniel Vilayil veedu, a member of the parish, completed his theological studies in 1932 and he was appointed by H.H Moran Mar Baselios Geevarghese II Catholicos, as the vicar of the church, which was built on the plot donated by his father Philipos Koshy. Adjacent plots were later bought by the church and added to the parish compound.Various spiritual organizations including Sunday school Balasamajam, Marthamariyam samajam and prayer groups grew up under his gifted leadership. Various churches sited around Nallila were built by ex-members of this parish.

In 1972,” Yuvajana prasthanam”- OCYM (Orthodox Christian Youth Movement) was formerly established and registered with the Diocese. The motto of the organisation is “Work, Study and Worship”. At least one member of every family of the parish joined the movement which rejuvenated the organisation. They were guided by the visionary leaders whose vision and dreams is the source of inspiration that permeates through the activities of the present generation. The organisation celebrated its golden jubilee from June 1999 to Sept 2000 with various programmes and fests.