St. Thomas Ecumenical Church, Nilackal Explained

Building Name:St. Thomas Ecumenical Church, Nilackal
Location:Angamoozhy, Kerala, India.
Geo:(9.3741°N 77.0018°W)
Religious Affiliation:Christianity
State:Kerala
District:Pathanamthitta
Consecration Year:54 AD
Status:Independent Ecumenical church
Leadership:Various Episcopal Churches
Architecture Type:Mix of Kerala and Persian
Year Completed:A.D 54

Nilakkal St. Thomas Ecumenical Church is one of the earliest Christian churches in Kerala, India. This church is one among the Ezharappallikal (seven and a half churches) believed to be established in 54 AD by St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ.[1]

Nilakkal, also known as Chayal is a forest area, but once it was a place of great importance carried on trade with Madhura and Thirunelveli.[1] Even though there is no historical evidence of the missionary work of St. Thomas in Nilackal, some assumptions of St. Thomas's establishment of a church in this place is written in old metal plates and other historian writings.[2]

Since the old church is in a dilapidated stage, a new church has been constructed in a site not far from it. The new church is at Angamoozhy, 3km (02miles) away from Nilakkal, almost 52km (32miles) east to Ranni in Pathanamthitta District of Kerala. At present time, this church functioning as an ecumenical church maintained by various Episcopal Churches in India.[3]

Notes and References

  1. Book: Whitehouse, Thomas. Lingerings of light in a dark land: researches into the Syrian church of Malabar. 1873. 1873. William Brown & CO.. 39.
  2. Web site: Nilackal. pathanamthittatourism.com . District Tourism Promotion Council, Pathanamthitta Dist. . 19 January 2022.
  3. News: 'Nilackal ecumenical church a symbol of unity'. The Hindu. 30 January 2011.