About Churches In Kerala :
Kerala, God’s own country is renowned for its potpourri of world religions and cultures. Since yore, Kerala has harmonized and synthesized the novel faiths from foreign cultures and religions. According to a census conducted in the 1991, 60% of the state’s populace is Hindus. Muslims and Christians constitute the remaining 40%.Christianity in Kerala is considered as ancient as the Christian epoch itself. It is the land God’s land that still resounds with the importunate words of the St. Thomas, one of the 12 Apostles of Jesus Christ who declared that he would not trust the events of Christ's death and resurrection until he witnessed the wounds of the ascended Christ. He is said to have set ashore at Muziris in AD 52 and set up seven and a half churches in Kerala - Kodungallur, Palayur, Paravur, Kokomangalam, Niranam, Chayal, and Kollam. He himself built the Malayatoor Church and this place still has the Golden Cross, the well-preserved footprints of St. Thomas and the miraculous water well. He is regarded as the father of Christianity in India as he preached and spread this religion and initially converted twelve families of Brahmin in Kerala into Christians. The Syrian Christians of Kerala trace their origin to these Brahmin families.In the 16th century, the Portuguese brought in the new style of Church-architecture in Kerala and then the latinization of churches took place. Santo Antonio, currently known as St. Francis Church in Kochi is the first church built in India in this European style. With passing time many churches were established in Kerala. The most significant and famous churches of Kerala are-

St. Mary's Church, Cheriapalli (2 km of Kottayam town) :
St. Mary's Church, Kerala Pilgrim CentresBuilt in 1579 by Thekkumkoor Maharajah, this church displays outstanding architecture which is a blend of Kerala and Portuguese styles. The walls are adorned with beautiful murals made in oriental and western styles on biblical and non biblical themes.

St. George's Church, Puthupalli :
This church is believed to have been built by the Thekkumkoor Rajas. The golden cross in this church is well known. The feast of St. George (Gee Varghese) is the annual event.

St. Thomas Church, Cherpungal :
Believed to have been established by the apostle St. Thomas, this church was relocated to the southern banks of the Meenachil RiverKerala Church, Kerala Pilgrim Centreswith the cooperation of poet Kunchan Nambiar and his family. In 1107, the Valiapalli was built on the original site. Here oil poured into lamps kept before the image of Infant Jesus is the votive offering - a ritual similar to the devotional practices of Hindus.

Aruvithira Church (11 km from Kottayam) :
Believed to be one of the seven churches established by St. Thomas, this is also one of the churches in Kerala which collects the largest amount of monetary offerings during the festival days. The annual feast is celebrated on the 22, 23 and 24th of April.

Santa Cruz Basillica – Kochi:
Santa Cruz Basillica in Kochi, the5oo year old Roman Catholic Church with a remarkable Gothic façade and towering spires is one of the most imposing edifices in Kerela. This illustrious Christian Shrine is located at K.B Jacob road in Fort Kochi, Ernakulam district in Kerala. It was first erected in 1505, transformed into a Cathedral by Pope Paul IV. It was used by the Dutch as a repository of arms and finally it was destroyed by the British Colonial power in 1795. This Church was furbished up in 1887 by Bishop Dom Joao Gomes Fereira and it was heralded as a Basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1984. The ceiling of this building is adorned with stunning paintings depicting Christ’s life. The interior space is very impressive with strained glass windows and massive ornate columns.

St. Mary's Valiya Palli- Kottayam :
This church is also known as the Syrian Knanaya Church and is one of the oldest churches in Kerala. The ancient St. Mary Valiya palli Church, erected in 1550 AD is located 2 kms away from Kottyam. The church is famed for its two Persian Crosses made of granite slabs and has ancient Pahalavi inscriptions on it. These crosses originally belonged to a very old Church near Crangannore and were transferred in St. Mary Valiya palli Church later. The slab which is the smaller one is positioned on the northern altar and the greater slab is placed on the southern altar of the church. There are extraordinary age-old sculptures and mural paintings at the back of the principal altar and also on the ceiling.