St. Thomas Jacobite Syrian Church, North Paravur

St. Thomas Jacobite Syrian Church is a stone building set among the seven bazaars of North Paravur town, with traditional Kerala architectural features. The structure contains a tomb within its walls and follows regional building styles.

The building was constructed in 1566 by Mar Joseph Metropolitan, roughly 1500 years after Saint Thomas the Apostle arrived in Kerala. The founding of the Syrian Christian community traces back to this early missionary work.

The congregation follows West Syriac Rite practices and conducts services in Malayalam and Syriac. Members maintain ancient Christian traditions that have been lived in Kerala for centuries.

The church welcomes visitors during prayer times and is accessible to those interested in religious heritage. It is helpful to respect the local customs and be mindful that active services may be taking place.

Inside lies the tomb of Gregorios Abdul Jaleel, a Syrian Orthodox prelate from Mosul who became a significant saint in Jacobite tradition. This connection between the Middle East and Kerala reveals the far-reaching networks of early Syrian Christianity.

GPS coordinates: 10.15081,76.22286

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:06