Thiruvithancode Church Declared as St. Thomas Global Pilgrim Center (Paul Ciniraj, Malankara Sabha Missionary, Kottayam-686038, India)   Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu, India), SVM News, October 16, 2008: The Catholicose of the East Baselios Marthoma Dydimos I proclaimed Thiruvithancode St. Mary's Orthodox Church in Kanyakumari District of Tamil Nadu in India as St. Thomas International Pilgrim Center.   St. Thomas, the Apostle of Jesus Christ came to India, preached the gospel and established churches at seven and a half places in Crangannore, Palur, Paraur, Gokkamangalam, Niranam, Chayal, Kollam and Thiruvithancode and appointed prelates and priests. The Thiruvithamcode church was built in AD 63 in the name of the Holy Mother St. Mary. This is believed to be one of the oldest church structures in the world.   Thiruvithamcode Arappalli   This church is known as Thiruvithamcode Arappalli or Thomayar Kovil. Over a period of time, there was a large-scale migration of the community to central Travancore. The church remains under the control of the Indian (Malankara) Orthodox Church.   Some people have had a misunderstand that "Arapally" means half church (Ara means half) and the myth is propagated far and wide. But here the word "Ara" related to the word "King". Arappalli means King's Church such as Aramana (King's House), Arayal (King Tree), and Arayannam (King Bird) in the local language. In olden times Thiruvithancode was the capital of Travancore.  And the land of Thiruvithancode church was donated by the King of that time. Hence the church was publicly known as Arappalli (Arayan Palli or King’s Church).   Among the local people this church is also known as "Thomayar Kovil" from very ancient period. Thomayar Kovil means Temple of St. Thomas. In fact, the Church is dedicated to St. Mary. But it is a common belief in the locality that it was built by St. Thomas. The pillars in the church tells the story of the ancient period.   During the period of 1940's there was a strong movement among the locals to convert the church as Hindu temple due to its architecture which is very similar to a temple. But there was a cross carved 'on' the pillar clinched the issue. This cross is believed to be carved out by hands of St.Thomas himself. For the believers, this is same hand which touched the wounds of our Lord.   The decorated stone lintel shows two winged figures on either side of a cross at the entrance to the church. That the place of worship has its origins in antiquity is also attested by its stone walls and door frames and intricately carved wood work.   The church's altar, the baptism basin and incense burner are believed to be the legacies of the Portuguese.   In addition to His Holiness the Catholicos' official proclamation establishing Thiruvithamcode Church as an international pilgrim centre, he also laid the foundation stone for a centre for future pilgrims. His Grace Gabriel Mar Gregorios Metropolitan of Thiruvanandapuram Orthodox Diocese assisting as the working president and V. Rev. Barsleebi Ramban as its Manager and Vicar.   Address: Very Rev. Barsleebi Ramban, Manager & Vicar, St. Thomas International Pilgrim Center, Thiruvithancode, Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, India.