Front view of the Church

 According to history, tradition and belief, the Christian Church in India was founded by St. Thomas, the Apostle of Jesus Christ. St. Thomas landed at Mazir (Kodungalloor) in Kerala, in 52 A.D. and established seven Churches in different parts of Kerala, viz. Maliankara, Palayur, Gokamangalam, Niranam, Chayal, Kurakkenikollam and Kottakkayil. St. Thomas also ordained priests from the families of Shankarapuri, Pakalomattom, Kally and Kaliankavu and entrusted them with the administration of the Church. 
Consequent upon the separation of Church built by St.

 

Thomas into two, some of the faithfuls under the leadership of Big Bazar Tharakans, decided to build another Church and approached the Ruler of Paravur (Paravur Thampuran) for sanction. As per the desire of the Big Bazar Tharakans, Paravur Thampuran donated a plot of land in the midst of the seven bazars of Paravur Town, tax free. The Church built here was consecrated in the name of St. Thomas, the Apostle, under the leadership of His Grace Mor Joseph Metropolitan, on the 29th November, 1566 A.D. This event has been inscribed in old Tamil script, in a plaque in granite stone and embedded in the wall near the front door of  the church.

Paravur Thampuran, also donated a very big five tier oil lamp (Alu Vilakku) which is even now used in the Church. He had also donated some land tax free, for meeting the expenses to light this lamp perpetually.

The unprecedented size of the church is to be seen to be believed. Some of the missionaries from Kottayam in a letter dated 13th March 1822, to the Resident, Cononel D. Newall, had recorded thus: "The Paravur Church can accommodate 1500 persons comfortably at a time". The main alter of this Church is made of ornamental wooden carvings and inlayed with golden leaves, is an architectural wonder. The ancient wall paintings inside the sanctum sanctorum of the Church depicting sixteen Biblical episodes, are over 400 years old. The 16th Century architectural style of the Church is retained as such even to this day. The Baptism stone (117 C.M. in diameter) in this church, which is one of the biggest in Malankara (Kerala) is carved out of a single granite stone. On the sides of the Baptism stone there is an inscription in old Tamil script thus: "This Baptism stone was donated by a parishner in 1625 (A.D)".

The famous historians, Whitehouse Padiri, Dr. Buchanan and others have recorded that they had visited this Church. Whitehouse Padiri, during his visit in 1857 A.D. had recorded that the four storied square type Bell Tower of this Church is the only one of its kind in Syrian Churches of Kerala. This Bell Tower could be seen even to day in its original shape. There is a very old brass bell in this Tower. On this bell, the following inscription in Latin can be seen: "NON EST, INTE. TOTA PALCLARA. ES. MARIA ET MACAIA".

The first and foremost Perunnal (festivals) of this church is the death anniversary of Saint Abdul Jaleel Mor Grigories Bava, which falls on 27th April every year. St. Thomas day, on 3rd July each year is being celebrated as an important perunnal in this Church. "Valiappam Nercha" offered during this perunnal by the newly married couples of this church in order to receive blessings for child bearing, is very famous and is in vogue from time immemorial. Valiappam" (Big bread) is a Kerala Christian delicacy made out of rice flour and molasses and fried in coconut oil. The other important festivals of this church include, the death anniversaries of Mor Gheevarughese Sahada on 7th May and Gheevarghese Mar Gregorios (Parumala) on 2nd November, each year.

His Holiness Pathros (Third) Patriarch of Antioch, for the first time in the history of Malankara Church, conducted the ordination ceremony of the following Metropolitans in the year 1876 A.D. at this historic Church. 

1. His Grace Paulose Mor Athanasios on 3.12.1876
2. His Grace Mor Yulios on 3.12.1876
3. His Grace Mor Kurilos on 10.12.1876
4. His Grace Gheevarghese Mor Gregorios (Parumala Kochuthirumeni) on 10.12.1876. He is declared as the Saint of the Malankara Church. 

St.Thomas Jacobite Syrian Church, is also known as "Kizhakke Pally" and or "Cheria Pally". This church built in A.D. 1566 fervently upholds the Holy Jacobite faith till to-day and owe allegiance to the Holy Patriarch of Antioch.

Although the Big Bazar Tharakans had constructed this beautiful church, they had declared that all parishioners have equal rights and that the Parish Pothuyogam (General Body) should elect theTrustees for the administration of this Church. This procedure was followed till the present constitution of the church was enacted in 1940. The administration of this Church is now in the hands of a 31 member Managing Committee, duly elected by the eligible male members of the church as per the provisions of the constitution. A seven member executive committee, which includes a Secretary, duly elected by the members of the Managing Committee, is in charge of the day to day administration of the church.

This ancient church is one of important pilgrim centers of Kerala.

In passing, it may be mentioned that the famous Kannankulangara Sree Krishna Temple is situated just opposite to this church. The jewish synagogue is also a few yards away from this Church. It seems that one may not find a similar situation in any other part of India. This is the fine example of the  religious harmony that exists in this great country.