Built in 63 AD, Thiruvithamcode Arappally is a church located in Thiruvithamcode in Tamil Nadu. This church is known by many other names like St. Mary"s Orthodox Church, Thomayar Koil, Amalagiri and Ara Palli. It is built by St. Thomas who is also known as the Apostle of India. It is not only India`s oldest church, but claims to be the world`s oldest church which still has daily prayers. It is believed by the Christian communities in Kerala that the historic Thiruvithamcode Arappally was named so by the Chera King, Perum Chottu Uthiyan Cheralathan. The Church today is maintained by the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. On 16th of December 2007, Catholicose of the East, Baselios Marthoma Dydimos I, proclaimed this church as St. Thomas International Pilgrim Centre.

History of Thiruvithamcode Arappally
The disciple of Jesus Christ, St.Thomas came to India in 53 A.D. He is credited with the establishment of seven and a half Churches in India. He had built Churches in Kerala, more specifically in Kodungalur, Kollam, Niranam, Chayal, Kokkamangalam, Kottaikavu and Palayur. In the honor of St. Mary, he had built a Church in Manikramam in Thiruvithamcode in 63A.D. This church is exceptional because it is the only church built by him which is called the Half Church or Ara Palli. The height of this church is considerably less, thereby giving it the name Half Church.

People were polarized in their viewpoints regarding Ara Palli. There was a section of people who believed that Ara Palli was misunderstood as Half Church (Ara meaning half). They believed that Ara is related to the word "King" in local language. Just as Arasan means King, Aramana means King"s House, Arayal stands for King"s Tree (banyan tree) and Arayannam denotes King"s Bird, similarly, Ara Palli or Arayan Palli means King"s Church. Also, Thiruvithamcode was the Capital of Travancore at that time. The land where the church is located was donated by the then King. Therefore, it is argued again that Ara Palli means the King"s Church.

It is said that during the 1940"s, an attempt was made to convert this church into a Hindu temple as some people believed that it was initially a Hindu shrine which was converted into a Church. Some also believed that the church resembled a Hindu temple. What saved the church from being demolished was a cross carved on a pillar. According to believers, this cross was carved by St. Thomas himself.

Architectural Design of Thiruvithamcode Arappally
This church is 45ft in length, 15ft broad and 10ft in height. In the 17th century, the three main sections of the Church were built. In the 20th century, a passageway corridor was constructed. Local quarried stones grace the walls of the church. These quarried stones are chiseled with a multi-tipped chisel. This technique was possibly introduced in Kerala by foreigners in the 16th century. The Church"s altar, baptism basin and incense burner are believed to be from Portuguese.

Surrounding of Thiruvithamcode Arappally
St. Thomas Pilgrimage Centre is newly built, close to the church. This Church also functions under the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. There is a well near the church. Legends believe that the well was dug at the time of St. Thomas and has never dried up.

Revamp of Thiruvithamcode Arappally
According to a historian, the original church was built under the patronage of the then King of Thiruvithamcode. Around 80 years back, late Rev. Fr. Koottumkal Geevarghese Ramban found the ruins of this church. He is credited with the restoration of the church to its present state. Keeping the style of the original church, it has been rebuilt about 5 times. The present church has been built in the site of the original church.

Visiting Information
Thiruvithamcode Arappally is about 20 kilometres from Nagercoil and about 2 kilometres from Thuckalay. Thuckalay is near about 35 Kilometres from Kanyakumari and about 15 kilometres from Nagercoil and situated on the Kanyakumari - Thiruvananthapuram Highway.

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