Timeline History – Changanacherry Veliya Palli

Ancient & Early Christian Era

1st Century AD (Traditional Belief)

Christianity is believed to have reached the region through the mission of Saint Thomas the Apostle. The faithful of Changanacherry were connected spiritually with the ancient church at Niranam.

9th–12th Century

Changanacherry formed part of the historic “Nantuzhainadu” region under the Chera rulers.

AD 1117

First Church Established

The first church at Changanacherry is believed to have been established under the patronage of the Thekkumkur rulers.

13th–16th Century

Kochupally (Old Church)

The second church, popularly known as Kochupally / Vyakulamata Church, was constructed during this period. It became famous for its Kerala-style architecture and wooden carvings.

1606

Visit of Archbishop Menezes

Archbishop Menezes visited the church after the Synod of Diamper. Historical records mention the strong relationship between local rulers and the Christian community.

Early 1800s

Construction of the larger St. Antony’s Church due to the growing Christian population.

1822–1823

Archbishop Mar Paulos Aquinas

Mar Paulos Aquinas stayed in Changanacherry and contributed to the development of the church complex. His mortal remains were buried here after his death in 1823.

1887

Present Cathedral

The present magnificent cathedral was completed and blessed in 1887. It later became the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Changanacherry.