LESSON 21: Sabha (Church) in Kerala

In order to spread the gospel, the apostles traveled to different places in the first century. In A.D.52, St. Thomas reached Kodungailore near Kollam in Kerala by sea. He preached the gospel to different sects of people. Many were influenced by the true light of Jesus, believed, and were baptized. It is believed that St. Thomas established 7 churches in Kerala. These were in Maliankara, Paloor, Paravur, Gokamangalam, Niranam, Chaayal, and Kallam. From those who believed and were baptized, four Brahmin households from which four priests were ordained – Pakalomattom, Shankarapuri, Kalli, and Kaaliankal. Thus a Christian community was born in Kerala.

St. Thomas traveled to the eastern part of India and even to China, spreading the gospel. On his return journey, he was stabbed to death in Mylapur in A.D.72, December 21st. He was buried in Mylapur, but his mortal remains were taken to Edessa (Uraha), his native place, and entombed in a church dedicated to his name. Knai Thoma arranged for the relics to be taken to Uraha. The Holy Church celebrates his memorial feast on 3rd July every year.

Syrian Migration — In A.D.345

The church was established in Malankara by St. Thomas. After his martyrdom, for two centuries, there was no proper leadership and the church faced many difficulties. By the end of the 4th century, Knai Thoma, a merchant from Cana, reached Kerala by sea and set up trade relationships. He was able to become close to the rulers of Malankara. Seeing the challenging situation of the church, he brought devout Christians to guide them in the true faith.

In A.D.345, with permission of the Patriarch and Catholicos, Knai Thoma brought 400 people from 72 families, along with Mor Ouseph of Uraha, 4 priests, and deacons. Mor Ouseph brought with him all things needed for worship—Bible, leavened bread or yeast for Qurbana, Thaksa, prayer books for different sacraments, Holy Mooron, and everything needed for establishing the church. They persuaded Cheraman Perumal, the ruler, to build a church at Mahadevar, believed to be laid by Cheraman Perumal. Regular worship continued in this church and Mor Ouseph was the first Bishop of the Malankara church.

Many people from Malankara received baptism and joined the church. Many churches were built, and priests ordained. Since they accepted the Syrian faith and mode of worship, they were called Syrian Christians. Till the 16th century, before the Portuguese, only Syrian Christians existed here. Till 1655, Malankara was under the Patriarch from Syria who helped Christians here to have strong faith.

Over time, the Knanites population increased, they migrated south and built many churches. These churches became some of the oldest in Malankara’s history.