The oldest church of Kerala

The St.Thomas church of Kodungalloor (crangannore), established in 52 C.E., is the first Christian church of Kerala, South India. It was founded by St.Thomas, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ, who is believed to have visited the place around that period in connection with his proselytizing work. Kodungalloor, which is in the district of Thrissur, was then known as Muziris.

The St.Thomas church is one among the seven-and-a-half churches established in Kerala by St.Thomas. The others are the churches at Kottakkavu, Palayur, Kollam, Kokkamangalam, Niranam and Nilackal churches respectively. The church established at Thiruvithamkode, which is in the state of Tamil Nadu is the one known as a half church.