Malayattoor

Malayattoor Church

Malayattoor Church is located in Ernakulam district of Kerala and is one of the most important Christian pilgrim centres in Kerala. Situated atop the 609 m. high Malayatoor Hill, this church is dedicated to St. Thomas. The church that has now been accorded an international pilgrimage station gets visitors from all over the world. Legends surrounding the shrine speaks of how St. Thomas, the apostle of Jesus Christ came here in AD 52. He is believed to have prayed at this spot and drew a cross dedicated to Jesus. He spent his life helping the poor and died here. Many years later the locals found that the cross he drew had turned into a gold cross with his footsteps on the hill. The church is a renowned Christian pilgrim destination and many people come climbing the mountain on foot carrying gold crosses as an offering. During the Lenten season the believers pray for hours and many volunteer groups are set up to provide a feast for them.