MANTHALIR ST.THOMAS ORTHODOX CHURCH

St.Thomas the disciple of Jesus Christ reached India in AD 52. He preached the gospel and transformed lives of many people and empraised Christianity. In different parts of Malabar (present Kerala) he formed many congregation. One of them was in Nilakel. However due to unfavourable circumstances they were forced to migrate to other parts of the state. In 4^th century AD they established a church in Kadampanad. In later years people in Pandalam and surrounding area formed a congregation in Thumpamon in 1174 AD.  As time passed people living in Manthuka and Kulanada, thought of building a church in their neighbourhood. But due to unfavourable conditions and the social scenario which prevailed at that time prevented us from establishing the church. During this time H.G. Palakunath Mathews Athanasius was the malankara metropolitan. Due to his influence and the hard work, a permission was obtained to establish the church. In 1863 AD on the day of feast of St.thomas the church was consecrated in the name of St.Thomas the apostle. Every year July 12 is celebrated as the Parish .

Prof. John Kurakar