Churches in Kerala

Kerala, God’s own country is renowned for its potpourri of world religions and cultures. Since yore, Kerala has harmonized and synthesized the novel faiths from foreign cultures and religions. According to a census conducted in the 1991, 60% of the state’s populace is Hindus. Muslims and Christians constitute the remaining 40%.

Christianity in Kerala is considered as ancient as the Christian epoch itself. It is the land God’s land that still resounds with the importunate words of the St. Thomas, one of the 12 Apostles of Jesus Christ who declared that he would not trust the events of Christ's death and resurrection until he witnessed the wounds of the ascended Christ. He is said to have set ashore at Muziris in AD 52 and set up seven and a half churches in Kerala - Kodungallur, Palayur, Paravur, Kokomangalam, Niranam, Chayal, and Kollam. He himself built the Malayatoor Church and this place still has the Golden Cross, the well-preserved footprints of St. Thomas and the miraculous water well. He is regarded as the father of Christianity in India as he preached and spread this religion and initially converted twelve families of Brahmin in Kerala into Christians. The Syrian Christians of Kerala trace their origin to these Brahmin families.

In the 16th century, the Portuguese brought in the new style of Church-architecture in Kerala and then the latinization of churches took place. Santo Antonio, currently known as St. Francis Church in Kochi is the first church built in India in this European style. With passing time many churches were established in Kerala. The most significant and famous churches of Kerala are-

Malayatoor Church – Kochi: Malayatoor, set in the backdrop of the Western Ghats and overlooking the picturesque Periyar River, is known as the land of St. Thomas. The sacred Malayatoor (St.Thomas) Church in this region is considered as an international pilgrim site that attracts the largest number of pilgrims. This famed church lies 52 kms from Kochi and stands at the top of the Malayatoor Hill that is 609 m high. The church is consecrated to St. Thomas, one of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ and enshrines a full-size image of St. Thomas. The footprints of this holy man are engraved in a rock. The church is constructed in the Greco-Roman architectural style. Pilgrims assemble for celebrating the yearly festival of 'Malayatoor Perunnal', during the months of March and April.

Santa Cruz Basillica – Kochi: Santa Cruz Basillica in Kochi, the5oo year old Roman Catholic Church with a remarkable Gothic façade and towering spires is one of the most imposing edifices in Kerela. This illustrious Christian Shrine is located at K.B Jacob road in Fort Kochi, Ernakulam district in Kerala. It was first erected in 1505, transformed into a Cathedral by Pope Paul IV. It was used by the Dutch as a repository of arms and finally it was destroyed by the British Colonial power in 1795. This Church was furbished up in 1887 by Bishop Dom Joao Gomes Fereira and it was heralded as a Basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1984. The ceiling of this building is adorned with stunning paintings depicting Christ’s life. The interior space is very impressive with strained glass windows and massive ornate columns.

St. Francis Church – Kochi: This church, originally known as Santo Antonio is the first European Church in India. It is located in Fort Kochi, 2 kms west of Mattancherry in the Ernakulam district of Kerala and was built in wood by the Portuguese in 1503. However it was later overlaid with stone masonry by the Franciscan friars. It was converted in to a Protestant Church following the Dutch invasion of 1663. In 1804, the authority of this church was transferred to the Anglican Communion under British Government and the name was changed to St. Francis Church. The world- famous European sailor Vasco da Gama was originally entombed here in 1524 and later his remains were sent to Lisbon. But the tomb is still preserved in this church till date. Though this church is an unostentatious structure and has no extraordinary architectural traits, yet it stands as a milestone in church architecture and history of India.

St. Mary's Valiya Palli- Kottayam- This church is also known as the Syrian Knanaya Church and is one of the oldest churches in Kerala. The ancient St. Mary Valiya palli Church, erected in 1550 AD is located 2 kms away from Kottyam. The church is famed for its two Persian Crosses made of granite slabs and has ancient Pahalavi inscriptions on it. These crosses originally belonged to a very old Church near Crangannore and were transferred in St. Mary Valiya palli Church later. The slab which is the smaller one is positioned on the northern altar and the greater slab is placed on the southern altar of the church. There are extraordinary age-old sculptures and mural paintings at the back of the principal altar and also on the ceiling.