“But when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will be filled with power and you will be
witnesses for me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the Earth” (The
Bible Acts 1:8). The fountain head and holy foundation of the entire Christianity in Kerala is
St. Thomas from whom emerges the traditions, rites and rituals prevalent in the St.Thomas
Christian Community today. St. Thomas, one among the 12 apostles of Christ, after visiting
Socotra came to Muziris or Kondungallore, north of Cochin in about AD 52. He converted
natives of sound social and religious positions and established Christian communities at
seven places. He also appointed leaders from the leading families from whom he had
converts to look after and lead the church. From Kerala, St.Thomas proceeded to the eastern
parts of south India where also he had converts and then on he moved as far as to Malacca
and China. Later returning to India he was martyred and buried at Mylapore in AD 72. His
mortal remains are entombed at Mylapore now known as St. Thomas Mount.