St. Thomas the Apostle
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John the Apostle
John the Apostle was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ, the younger brother of James the Greater and the son of Zebedee and Salome. He is often called “the disciple whom Jesus loved.
Life and Ministry
John was a close companion of Jesus and was present at major events such as the Transfiguration and the Crucifixion. After the resurrection, John became a leading figure in the early Christian Church in Jerusalem.
Mission to India
According to ancient Christian traditions, St. Thomas arrived in Muziris (Kodungallur, Kerala) around AD 52. He preached the Gospel and established seven and a half churches (Ezharappallikal) in different regions of Kerala, including: Kodungallur, Palayoor, Paravur, Kokkamangalam, Niranam, Nilackal, Kollam, (Half church at Thiruvithamcode – “Arappally”)
He established seven and a half churches (Ezharapallikal) along the Malabar Coast, laying the foundation for Christianity in India.
Legacy
His followers are known as St. Thomas Christians or Nasranis, forming the ancient roots of Christianity in India. Churches like the Jacobite Syrian Christian Church, Syro-Malabar, and Syro-Malankara trace their origin to his apostolic mission.
