Centuries-Old Heritage

It is believed that the 8-day fast at Manarcad cathedral is as old as the church itself. The blessed 8-day Fast had its origin at this church. Worshippers have been coming to this church for many centuries seeking the blessings of Virgin Mary and to participate in the fast. There are references to this fast at Manarcad in Church history books such as Fr. Bernard's 'Marthoma Christians', E.M. Philip's 'The Indian Church of St.Thomas', in Dr.Gundert's 'Kerala Pazhama' and in the Travancore State Manual.

Joseph Peat, the Anglican missionary who visited Manarcad cathedral during the 8-day Fast in September 1836 has said the following: I came down to Manarcad cathedral on hearing that they have a special fast there in praise of Virgin Mary. When I reached there for dissuading them from doing it, more than 2000 people had assembled inside the church, desisting from eating certain items of food and were bathing themselves every day to cleanse themselves. There was a big statue of Virgin Mary installed there. They treated the place as a very very holy place. When I started talking to them against the fast, they started reciting prayers to Virgin Mary much louder than my voice ... This is a quote from the book, "The Syrian Orthodox Church in India and its Apostolic Faith (Page 131) written by very Reverend Dr.Kurian Core Episopa.

The above narration gives a picture of the 8-day Fast that was being observed about one and a half centuries ago at Manarcad. Two decades before this the British Survey Team headed by Ward and Conner have described the Manarcad cathedral as a famous church that attracts large Christian congregations in their famous report.

1. Ninuve Fast (Munnu Nonbu)
2. 50days fast  (Valiya Nonbu)
3. Fast in the name of Apostles (Sleeha Nonbu)
4. 15 days fast in connection with the Ascension Day Virgin Mary(Sunero Nonbu)
5. Yeldo Fast in connection with the Incarnation Festival of Virgin Mary (Yeldo Nonbu)