Apostle of The East
Doubting Thomas, as he was commonly known, was one of Jesus’s Twelve Disciples tasked with the journey to spread the newborn faith. A Galilee native, and fisherman by trade, St. Thomas gave his life to bringing devotion to one of the most spiritual places on Earth, India. Now, centuries later, no story is more mystical than the Apostle’s journey East and how his Mission would shape modern religion.
Why Are We Telling This Story?
The story of St. Thomas, the Apostle of India is a very important aspect of the history of the Indian Christian community. Apostle Thomas travelled over 3000 miles from Israel to Kerala in 52 A.D. He faced a lot of difficulties and struggles in order to fulfill the mission of His Lord. After facing multiple adversities like lack of knowledge of the native language, difference in cultures, Apostle Thomas successfully spread the message of peace and love, and established a community of faithfuls, who even know are sincere in their devotion to him and His Lord.
It was the Apostle's immense devotion and belief that helped him become successful in his mission and gave him the strength to lay down his life for the same mission. We believe there is an immense global need to learn more about the history of St.Thomas and how Christianity came to India and the Far East.
Churches Built by St. Thomas
In his 20 years of Apostolate missions, St. Thomas established seven and a half churches or communities in Kerala & Tamil Nadu, known as Ezharapallikal. The sapthadevalayangal or the 7 churches were established in Kerala and the arapally or the half church is said to be in Tamil Nadu.