Thiruvithancode Arappally - Orthodox church in Thiruvithankodu - Kanniyakumari, India

Amazing Place one among the ancient churches established by St.Thomas, the apostle of Jesus Christ,this centuries-old church is under the administration of Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. Such an amazing place with Calm surroundings to sit peacefully and pray, you can see Holy relics of St Thomas here, also this church is of Archeological importance, major parts of the Church is built in Stone, and preserved accordingly.. you can find Stone Carvings of Cross, different other shapes in the pillers inside..

Good place to visit. This historic Thiruvithamcode Arappally, also called Amalagiri church as named by the Chera King Uthiyan Cheralathan was built by St. Thomas, known as the Apostle of India, in 63 AD.[2] It is believed to be the world's oldest existing church structure, and is now declared an international St. Thomas pilgrim center. The one room church is still maintained as it is from 63AD. except new painting done. The church today is maintained by the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan, Baselios Marthoma

16th Jan 2023 Visited the church which is the oldest in the world built in AD 63 . The place is called Thiruvathamcode previously known as Thiruvathamcore. Well maintained especially the church is preserved as it is established in AD 63.The church compound has two olive trees with olives and a well which was built at that time which never gets dry. Worth visiting

Truly blessed and peaceful place. Was fortunate to spend two nights at the International Pilgrim Center attatched to the church. The historic character of this church founded by St. Thomas himself in the first century AD reflects the ancient heritage and indigenous presence of Christianity in India. The Indian Orthodox Church has preserved the ancient features of this church painstakingly, and the expansion of the building complex has been in tune with these aesthetic and spiritual sensibilities. The monastic priests in charge of this church are prayerful, friendly and hospitable. Divine grace is ever present here.

One thing remarkable about this church is that they have maintained the olden structure inthe actual form. Only the supporting walls are added. It gives us an idea about, how a Church of that time looks like.. A young graceful priest gave us detailed history and other peculiarities of Church... That was very helpful..

This is known to be the 7th Church built by St. Thomas, around 70AD. So, this Church is close to 2000 years old. Amazing!

Thiruvithamcode Arappally ("Royal Church"; Tamil:tiruvitaangkoottu arpplllli; Malayalam:tiruvitaaNkoott arpplllli;), or Thomayar Kovil or St. Mary's Orthodox Church, is a church located in Thiruvithamcode, Tamil Nadu, India. It is built by St. Thomas, known as the Apostle of India, in 63 AD. It claims to be the world's oldest church that still has daily prayers and India's oldest church that haven't been reconstructed till now.[citation needed] The church has three main parts built in the 17th century and a 20th-century entrance hall. Its walls are built of locally quarried stone, chiseled with a multi-tipped chisel, a technique known in Kerala and possibly introduced there by foreign contact in the 16th century. Thiruvithamcode (also spelled Thiruvithancode, Thiruvithankodu and Thiruvithangodu) is a small panchayat town located in the Kanyakumari district of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is about 20 km from Nagercoil, and 2 km from Thuckalay.

One of the oldest churches established by St. Thomas. It is currently run by the malanakara orthodox Syrian church. Calm and peaceful atmosphere in the church. Parking is small.