India, a land synonymous with ancient temples and diverse faiths, also holds a deep and often surprising Christian heritage that dates back to the very dawn of the faith. Contrary to popular belief, Christianity in India is not merely a colonial import but has roots that stretch back to the 1st century AD. This legacy is preserved in stone, mortar, and tradition within its oldest churches.
These sanctuaries are not just places of worship; they are living museums, standing as silent witnesses to the arrival of apostles, the influence of foreign traders, and the zeal of European missionaries.
While modern India dazzles with Christmas lights and bustling markets, the true heart of its Christian heritage beats within the walls of its most ancient churches. These aren’t just historical monuments; they are living congregations where the story of Christ’s birth has been celebrated for hundreds, and in some cases, well over a thousand years.
This Christmas, let’s embark on a pilgrimage to these sacred sites. We’ll explore the top 10 oldest churches in India, where the timeless message of “Glory to God in the highest” has echoed through the ages, long before the first carol was sung in much of the Western world.
- St. Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Church, Thiruvithamcode (AD 63)
Denomination: Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church
Widely acknowledged as the oldest church in India, the “Thiruvithamcode Arappally” (Royal Temple) holds an unparalleled place in history. Tradition holds that it was established by St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, who landed in Kerala in AD 52. The church is believed to have been consecrated in AD 63. This simple yet powerful structure, built in the Kerala architectural style, serves as the foundational site for the St. Thomas Christians, a community that has existed for nearly two millennia.
Christmas Celebration: Here, Christmas is observed on January 7th, following the ancient Julian calendar. The liturgy is a profound and ancient Syriac rite, unchanged for centuries. The church, adorned with simple local flora like coconut fronds and lanterns, resonates with chants that have welcomed the Christmas feast for nearly two millennia, offering a glimpse into the most primitive form of the celebration in India.
- Palayur Church, Thrissur (AD 57)
Denomination: Syro-Malabar Catholic Church
Another church with a direct link to St. Thomas, the Palayur Church is considered one of the seven original churches he founded in Malabar. Located in the small town of Palayur, it is believed to be the site where the Apostle converted local Jews and Hindus to Christianity. The present structure is a grander, later construction, but it stands on the very ground where the first Christian community in Palayur gathered, making it one of the most ancient Christian sites in the world outside the Holy Land.
Christmas Celebration: As a Syro-Malabar Catholic church, it celebrates Christmas on December 25th with great fervor. The feast is a vibrant blend of deep Catholic liturgy and Keralan culture. The midnight Mass is a major event, attended by thousands, followed by traditional festive meals featuring appam and stew.
- St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, Malayattoor (1st Century)
Denomination: Syro-Malabar Catholic Church
Nestled on a hill in Malayattoor, this church is part of a unique pilgrimage site. It is believed that St. Thomas, fleeing persecution, spent time in prayer at this very spot, leaving a footprint on a rock. A small cross carved on a rock is venerated as his work. The church here was built much later, but the site’s association with the Apostle in the 1st century gives it a prime position among India’s oldest Christian holy sites.
Christmas Celebration: Christmas at Malayattoor is intertwined with its identity as a pilgrimage center. Pilgrims often combine their visit for the Christmas feast with the ascent up the mountain to the rock where the Apostle prayed. The Christmas Mass, celebrated in the church at the foothills, is a spirited affair, filled with gratitude for the faith that St. Thomas brought to these shores.
- Kadamattom Church, Kochi (5th Century)
Denomination: Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church
Dedicated to St. Geevarghese Mar Kadamattathu, a Persian priest who came to India in the 5th century, the Kadamattom Church is shrouded in local legend and mystery. The church architecture reflects ancient Syrian influences, and it is renowned for its unique customs and the powerful, revered “Kadamattathu Kathanar” (Priest of Kadamattom), a figure often associated with mystical powers in Malayali folklore.
Christmas Celebration: The Christmas liturgy here is a majestic and ancient Syriac service. The church, often decorated with oil lamps and traditional white dhoti curtains, maintains customs that are centuries old. For the local community, the Christmas feast is a time of spiritual renewal, deeply connected to the church’s mysterious and powerful legacy.
- St. Mary’s Orthodox Cathedral, Kottayam (5th Century)
Denomination: Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church
Commonly known as the Valiya Palli (Big Church), this cathedral in Kottayam is a cornerstone of the Malankara Orthodox Church. While the current structure shows influences from later periods, the foundation of the church is traced back to the 5th century. It is famous for its ancient stone cross with Pahlavi (Middle Persian) inscriptions and its collection of old manuscripts on dried palm leaves, offering a direct link to the early Syrian Christian community.
Christmas Celebration: The Christmas service here is a grand spectacle of Orthodox tradition. The cathedral is beautifully adorned, and the liturgy, sung in classical Syriac, is a hauntingly beautiful experience. The presence of the ancient cross serves as a powerful reminder during the Christmas season that the faith being celebrated has deep, tangible roots in this very land.
- St. Mary’s Syrian Church, Niranam (AD 54)
Denomination: Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church
Located in Niranam, Kerala, this church is also counted among the seven original churches founded by St. Thomas. It is believed that the Apostle established the church after performing a baptism in the nearby river. The current building has been reconstructed several times over the centuries due to floods, but each iteration has been on the original, sacred site, preserving an unbroken line of worship since the 1st century.
Christmas Celebration: The community at Niranam celebrates Christmas with a deep sense of historical continuity. Following the Orthodox calendar on January 7th, the celebrations are a vibrant community event. The sound of Christmas hymns in Malayalam and Syriac fills the air, blending with the festive spirit that pervades the entire town, connecting the modern celebration to its apostolic past.
- St. Mary’s Forane Church, Kuravilangad (AD 105)
Denomination: Syro-Malabar Catholic Church
This ancient church in Kottayam district claims a founding date of AD 105, making it one of the oldest Marian pilgrimage centers in the world. According to legend, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared in a vision, indicating where the church should be built. The church houses a famous ancient bell and a golden cross and is a central spiritual hub for the Syro-Malabar Catholic community.
Christmas Celebration: The celebration is a magnificent tribute to Mary. The church, already a center of Marian devotion, transforms into a hub of Christmas joy. Elaborate nativity scenes (cribs) are a special feature, and the Christmas Mass is a deeply devotional event, focusing on the joy of the Theotokos (God-bearer) at the birth of her son.
- St. Thomas Orthodox Church, North Paravur (6th Century)
Denomination: Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church
Also known as the Kottakkavu Palli, this church in North Paravur is another of the seven churches traditionally founded by St. Thomas. While its origins are apostolic, the current historical evidence points to a significant structure existing here by the 6th century. It stands as a testament to the long and continuous history of Christianity in the coastal regions of Kerala.
Christmas Celebration: The Christmas liturgy here is a community anchor. The church, decorated with stars made of palm leaves and oil lamps, glows with a warm, traditional light. The feast after the service is a grand potluck, where families share traditional Syrian Christian delicacies, reinforcing bonds that have been forged over centuries.
- St. Lazarus’ Orthodox Church, Kottayam (900 AD)
Denomination: Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church
Believed to have been founded by Syrian traders around 900 AD, this church is a beautiful example of the blend of Kerala and West Asian architectural styles. It is traditionally associated with St. Lazarus, the man Jesus raised from the dead, whose relics were believed to have been brought to the region. The church’s antiquity is a marker of the vibrant trade and cultural exchanges that shaped the Malabar Coast.
Christmas Celebration: The Christmas service at St. Lazarus’ is a beautiful representation of the local Orthodox tradition. The ancient chants, the incense, and the timeless liturgy create an atmosphere of sacred mystery, transporting the congregation back to the very first Christmas, all within a structure that has witnessed a thousand years of history.
- St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica, San Thome, Chennai (16th Century, on a 8th-Century Site)
Denomination: Roman Catholic
While the current magnificent Gothic-style structure was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later renovated by the British, it stands on a site of immense historical significance. It was erected over the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle, who is believed to have been martyred at St. Thomas Mount, Chennai, in AD 72. An earlier shrine, likely built by the Nestorian Christians or the Portuguese in the 8th century, existed on this spot, making the site itself one of the oldest and most important Christian pilgrimage locations in the world.
Christmas Celebration: Christmas here is a spectacular event. The grand Basilica is draped in lights and finery, attracting thousands from all faiths. The midnight Mass is a multicultural celebration, often attended by the city’s diverse population. It’s a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of St. Thomas—where the Apostle who first brought the story of Christmas to India is laid to rest, the feast is celebrated with unparalleled joy and grandeur.
A Timeless Christmas Promise
Exploring these ancient churches reveals that the Christmas story in India is not a recent import but a ancient, living tradition. From the simple, apostolic rites in Kerala to the grand celebrations over a tomb in Chennai, the message remains the same: “For unto us a Child is born.” This Christmas, these churches stand as eternal beacons, reminding us that the joy of this holy night has found a home in India for two thousand years.
