SEVEN&HALF

SEVEN AND A HALF CHURCHES OF ST.THOMAS : PROF, M.M.NINAN
Of the seven churches originally established by St. Thomas, only three namely, Palayoor in the
Syro-Malabar Catholic Archdiocese of Thrissur, Kottakkavu in the Syro-Malabar Catholic Major
Archeparchy of Ernakulam-Angamaly, and Niranam in the Malankara Orthodox Diocese of
Niranam could claim continuity, while the remaining four churches have undergone several
changes in their locations.
It is stated that a Hindu temple that was abandoned by the Brahmins was converted into the
present church. Further, as a proof of Jewish settlements existing when St Thomas arrived here in
52 AD, ruins of a synagogue could be seen near almost all Hindu temples, close to the church.
Temple remnants in the form of broken idols, sculptures and relics of the old temple can also be
seen near the precincts of the church, in addition to two large tanks near the west and east gates of
the church.
It is also stated that the conversion of Brahmins has resulted in such an aversion among the
Nambudri Brahmins that they do not even accept cold water or tender coconut water anywhere in
the vicinity of the Church. .
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