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Rev. Dn. George Mathew, Baltimore, MD
There is little doubt that Apostle Thomas came to
India and established a church in Malankara. There may be little physical
evidence, but based in the corroborating evidence and traditions handed down,
there is good acceptance of this fact. I was taught that he established churches
in Kodungallur, Kottakkavu, Palayur, Kollam, Kokkamangalam, Niranam and Chayil.
There was a television documentary a few years back on St. Thomas Christians and
they showed these churches and the history of St. Thomas coming to India.
<<
It would be appropriate to cite here an extract from the radio message of Pope
Pius XII on 31 December, 1952 on the occasion of the 19th century celebrations
There are people who doubt about the apostolate of St. Thomas in India. However,
according to the tradition, St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus
Christ, came to India in 52 A.D., and landed at Kodungallur on the Malabar
(presently Kerala) coast. He preached the Gospel to the Brahmin families of
Kerala, many of whom received the faith. He established seven Churches there:
Kodungallur, Kottakkavu, Palayur, Kollam, Kokkamangalam, Niranam and Chayil. It
is also a tradition that he frequently visited Malayattoor hills for prayer.
Later, he moved on to the east coast of India. He was martyred in 72 A.D. by a
fanatic at Little Mount (near Madras) and his body was brought to Mylapore (near
Madras) and was buried there. His tomb is venerated until this day.
This tradition is confirmed by the testimonies of many of the Fathers of the
Church. It was not difficult for the Apostle to come to India, because extensive
trade relations existed between Malabar and the Mediterranean countries even
before the Christian Era. There is nothing to contradict this tradition.
>>>>
One of the greatest tragedies of the Malankara Church is that people focus on
too many "other" details (St. Thomas -vs- St. Peter, Patriarch -vs- Catholicose,
Antioch -vs- Kottayam, etc.) than on the true head of the church, our Lord Jesus
Christ. Power, prestige, name ... this is what the church seems to be about in
2004. Let us pray for renewal and revival in the church. Peace is achievable if
there is a will for it. Pray for it and work for it in both words and actions.
It can happen.
See Also:
Martyrdom of St. Thomas
At the St. Thomas Day celebration in New Delhi on December 18, 1955, Dr.
Rajendra Prasad, the then President of India, said: "St. Thomas came to India
when many of the countries of Europe had not yet become Christian, and so those
Indians who trace their Christianity to him have a longer history and a higher
ancestry than that of Christians of many of the European countries."
of the arrival of the Apostle in India: "Nineteen hundred years have passed
since the Apostle came to India [...] During the centuries that India was cut
off from the West and despite many trying vicissitudes, the Christian
communities formed by the Apostle conserved intact the legacy he left them
[...]This apostolic lineage, beloved sons and daughters, is the proud privilege
of the many among you who glory in the name of Thomas Christians and we are
happy on this occasion to acknowledge and bear witness to it."
I don't think there would be documentaries and well-known people would be
speaking lies in public.
The Bible has not passed down any information concerning the
whereabouts, early life or the parents of St. Thomas and he is known
as the leader of silent apostles. He seemed to remain almost alone
and melancholic by nature among the 12 apostles.
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