Thiruvithamcode "Arapally" Declared Pilgrimmage Site

Kanyakumari (T.N-India): Catholicos of the East His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Didymus I proclaimed the Thiruvithamcode "Arapally" as an "International St. Thomas Pilgrim Centre" on December 16, 2007 as per Kalpana number 336/2007.

This church was founded by St. Thomas in AD 63 in the capital city of the kingdom and given special permission by the king to exist. His Holiness, H.E. Gabriel Mar Gregorios Metropolitan, the Honorable Kerala State Transportation Minister, Shri Mathew T. Thomas, Reverend Dr. George Allanchery of the Thakkala Diocese of the Syro-Malabar Church, Nagarcoil M.P., Shri A.V. Bellarmine, Malankara Association Secretary Shri Dr. George Joseph, the Kanyakumari District Collecter, Shri S.J. Shiru I.A.S., Thiruvithamcode Arapally Manager, Very Reverend Bar Sleebi Remban, numerous priests, and thousands of faithful participated in the public meeting



In addition to His Holiness the Catholicos' official proclamation establishing Thiruvithamcode Church as a pilgrim centre, he also laid the foundation stone for a centre for future pilgrims.