Nazarenes of Malankara
Saint Thomas disciple of Jesus Christ landed in Kerala during AD52 to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Landing in Kodungalloor (Cranganur or Muziris?), Saint Thomas brought prominent Brahmin families into Christian faith. He continued his mission in Malankara (Kodungalloor), Palayoor (near Chavakkad), Koovakayal (Paravur), Thekkanpallipuram (Kokkamangalam near Cherthala), Quilon (Kollam), Chayal (Nilakkal), Niranam, and Thiruvankottu (half church near Padmanabhapuram). He established churches in all these seven and a half locations - Ezharappallikal (ഏഴരപ്പള്ളികൾ).
The Kerala Christians were known by the name Nazarenes of Malankara or Saint Thomas Christians or Mar Thoma Christians from the first century onwards.
After this community established relationship with the Nestorian Church of Persia, they got the name as Syrian Christians.
In 1498, Vasco De Gama landed in Kerala coast to find ancient Christians having an elevated social status, proficient in martial arts, trade and farming. They served the local rulers as ministers and military commanders. As the splendor of the local rulers dwindled, these Christians sought the protection and intervention of Gama which he readily offered in 1502. This led to entry of Fransiscan and Jesuit priests into Kerala under the direction of the Pope. This eventually led to the Udayamperoor Synod leading to Roman Catholic Church leadership.
While lot of Christians joined the Catholic fold, majority held on as Syrian Christians and declared their faith and allegiance by gathering at the stone cross at Mattancherry Church and held onto a large flag wrapped it. This led to tilting of the cross and thus the event came to be known as the Pledge of the Tilted Cross (popularly known as കൂനൻ കുരിശു സത്യം).
The annexation of smaller states by King Marthanda Varma of Travancore with the help of Nair soldiers led to the Nazarenes losing their privileged positions. This compelled them to take up farming for sustenance in far and wide swaths of uninhabited lands.
Our belief is that our forefathers thus came and settled down in areas as far and wide as Kuravlingadu , Ettumanoor , Athirampuzha , Kallooppara , Mallappally , Niranam , and Mavelikkara.
