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| Thomas is one of the 12 disciples of Jesus Christ and he landed on India on the shore of Kodungallur on November 21, 52 A.D www.mala.co.in |
Christianity, one of the major religions of the world is monotheistic (believing in the existence of a single God) and its very basis is the teachings of Jesus Christ or the Messiah who is considered to be the son of God. Had its roots in the Mediterranean coast of the Middle East (modern Israel and Palestine), this religion is ubiquitous, present almost in all countries. Christianity, as a matter of fact, began as a Jewish sect in the middle of the first century and,, believes in the doctrine of Trinity implying the belief one god consisting of three persons: the Father, the Son (Christ) and the Holy Spirit. The holy book of Christianity is the Bible which consists of the Old Testament (close to the Jewish Bible) and the New Testament (scriptures). Though there are minor differences in the interpretation of the bible among various denominations, the true Christan faith believes in leading the life through the path of love and tolerance. It teaches the people to be good and compassionate.
Gospels deal with the life of Christ and the religion is centered on the crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the son of God. It is believed, that "Jesus sacrificed his life as a ransom for many". Four books about the life of Jesus became New Testament and the Christian theologians rely heavily on the Gospels.
Christianity slowly spread to Syria, Mesopotamia, Asia Minor and Egypt. Over a few decades, this religion gained enormous popularity and it became dominant by the 4th century. Missionary work and colonization, led to the spread of Christianity to Indian sub continent, America, Australasia, Sub-Saharan Africa and other parts of the world. The Christian preachers' work, as taught by Christ's teachings, centered around the ideology of serving others; Christians established health centers, churches, educational establishments, orphanages and shelters for the homeless.
Jesus had 12 disciples or Apostles who were responsible for taking the Gospels across the globe to preach Christianity. St. Thomas, one of the disciples of Christ arrived in India in AD 52 on the western Malabar coast to spread Christianity among the natives
The misconception that Christianity was introduced to India after the arrival of the Europeans towards the end of 1400s still persists. It was in AD 52 the Apostle St. Thomas, one of twelve apostle of Jesus Christ brought Christianity to India and as part of his zealous missionary work he established Seven and Half Churches (in Malayalam: Ezharappallikal) that is actually Eight Churches across the western coast (coastal Malabar) of India in the land now called Kerala. The Apostle Thomas arrived in Kodungallur and established the Eight Churches and evangelized in present-day Kerala and Tamil Nadu.Many of these churches came up near Jewish settlements where Jewish community had been living there for some time engaged in trades. These were Ezharappallikalat Maliankara (Kodungallur), Kollam, Niranam, Nilackal (Chayal), Kokkamangalam, Kottakkayal (Paravoor or Kottakkavu), Palayoor (Chattukulangara) and Thiruvithamkode (Kanyakumari). Among them the one at Maliankara is considered as first church. The Church near Kanyakumari was a small one Arappally (means Half Church).
St. Thomas lived in India for 17 years: 4 years in Sindh (now in Pakistan), about 6 years in Malabar Coast and 7 years at Mylapore in Tamil Nadu where he was martyred. His Mortal remains are in St.Thome Church in Mylapore, Chennai. The Indian Postal Service of the Government of India brought out two commemorative stamps, in 1964 and 1973, in honour of the historic arrival of St. Thomas in India in 52 AD.
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| Maliankara Church,en.wikipedia.org |
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| Palayoor Church, en.wikipedia.org |
St. Thomas traveled all the way from from Muziris (Kottakkavu or Kodungallur) and landed at Palayur by boat through the backwaters. Palayur, also known as Bottukulam because of the historic location of boat jatty, was then a stronghold of the Brahmins of Kerala Nambudri and also of Jews. He visited the Jewish merchants at Palayur to preach the Christian gospel. The place is preserved as a monument to St. Thomas (see picture).
It is believed that an abandoned Hindu temple once used by the Brahmins was converted into the present church. There is also valid proof that Jewish settlements existed when St Thomas arrived here in 52 AD. The ruins of a synagogue could be seen near a Hindu temple,
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| Palayoor church interior, en.wikipedia.org |
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| Palayoor Churchen.wikipedia.org |
Kottakkavu Church established by St. Thomas has two churches more.
Mar Sabor and Mar Proth, who came from Persia to Malankara in the 9th century built and managed over a number of churches in Malankara, following the tradition of Saint Thomas Christians. The second church of Kottakkavu was rebuilt in 9th century. After their demise, they were remembered as saints and their name was given to this church. The existing old church - the third church, was built in 1308. Pope Gregory XIII raised the altar of this church to the status of privileged altar in 1575. The second church of Kottakkavu was rebuilt at this time.Kottakkavu Sliva, a Persian Cross engraved on granite stone by Mar Sabor and Mar Proth, is preserved in the chapel in front of the church.
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| Kottakkavu Old Churchen.wikipedia.org |
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| Kottakkavu New Churchen.wikipedia.org |
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| Niranam church |
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Shrine erected in memory of 'Mor Thoma II' of the Niranam Church, mortal remains of the holy father is interred in the wall of Madbhoshrine of Mor Thoma II is located here.www.syriacchristianity.info |
The majestic granite cross at the right side of the entrance is a silent reminder of the early history of this place of worship and lots of people come and worship the Holy Cross. It has been there since 1259 (thirst renovation). Special feasts are conducted annually(10th May) in memory of Mar Thoma II and Mar Thoma V whose mortal remains are buried in the church. Feast of Martyrdom of Saint Thomas - 21 December is yet another famous one.
In ancient time, Kollam was a famous harbour and trade center. According to local tradition, St.Thomas also built a church near the port , but it was destroyed during the temporary transgression of the Arabian sea. The foundation stone of the present church (Port Church or Our Lady of Purification Church) was blessed in 1986 by His Holiness Pope John Paul II
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| Front view of Ecumenical Church at Nilakkal.en.wikipedia.org |
Thiruvithamkode Church:
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| Thiruvithamcode Arappally church,Tamil Nadu en. wikipedia.org |
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| Thiruvithamcode Arappally church, Tamil Naduen.wikipedia.org |
Ref:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thiruvithamcode_Arappally
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niranam_Church
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Thomas_Syro-Malabar_Catholic_Church,_Palayoor