Kochi: An archaeological team has inspected the St Raphel’s Church, Ezhupunna, on the outskirts of the district as part of the process to declare it as a heritage property even as the church authorities are opposing the move.
“It was a general inspection by a ten-member team to study the heritage importance of the Church constructed in 1859. All aspects will be examined in detail and a report prepared within a few months based on which further steps will be taken,” said T. Sreelakshmi, Superintending Archaeologist, Thrissur circle.
The state Cultural Affairs Department had issued a preliminary notification in November 2010 for declaring the church and its compound as a protected monument under the Kerala Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1968. However, since then there was no progress.
The Church Vicar Fr Thomas Mangattu submitted an objection letter to the ASI requesting to stop the process on July 27 last.
“The church authorities are trying to delay the process by taking the matter to the court repeatedly. It’s out of the fear of losing control over the affairs or fearing restriction to religious ceremonies which is baseless. The ancient church is in a state of disrepair for several decades and should be protected,” said Mr Hormis Tharakan, whose family owns the church building.
