The historic Arapally at Thiruvithamcode was established by St. Thomas, one of the disciples of Jesus Christ in AD 63. In AD 52 he arrived at Malankara and established 7 churches and entrusted four families with the responsibilities of these churches. He went to Malay Peninsula, China, and Persia for preaching and on 63 AD he reached Chinnamuttom, the famous trading center, and harbor town. He received the support from local King of Thiruvithamcode, “Yokim” for his zealous work. He obtained the permission to set up the church. The king and his administration along with the religious leader Thiruvallor Nayanar helped him to establish the church. He baptized 64 upper caste families and made them members of the church. The church is built in quarried chiseled stone.The stone pillars and its carvings represent the ancient architectural heritage of Coromandel coast. The baptismal forst, granite-carved cross, and the ancient stone which the priest used for washing their feet remain untouched throughout the years. It prevails as the oldest church that has not been reconstructed so far, leaving it as a heritage center of the world.
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