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 Christianity came to India, even before Europe. However, it spread during the period of Dutch, Portugese, French and British occupation. It is a part of Indian history that St.Thomas, one of the twelve disciples of Christ, planted the Holy Cross in South India's Malabar and Coramandel coast sometime in the middle of the 1st century of the Christian era. The most ancient record is the New Testament Apocryphal: acts of Apostle Thomas, written in the 3rd century AD.
Unique amongst the Christians in India are the Syrian Christians in Kerala, who came into existence around 2nd century AD. The influence of the Christianity is more prevalent in northeastern parts of India, Kerala, parts of Tamil Nadu and Goa. The oldest of the Christian Churches in India exists in Kottayam, dating back to 400 AD. The Francis Xavier Church in Goa is visited by people of all faiths. The body of St Francis Xavier lies here miraculously preserved nearly 450 years after his death. Yet another pilgrim centre is the Velankani Church in Tamil Nadu. The shrine of Our Lady of Health, is visited by pilgrims praying for good health. It has a small church museum that displays the offerings made by those who were cured of their disease. Christian Philosophy Christianity taught that man's life on earth was not the end of existence, and that he should give up pleasures in this life in order to have a life of the spirit after death. Christian missionaries laid great stress on purity, resistance to temptation, and the pursuit of goodness.
Jesus is regarded as the son of God, and mother Mary symbolizes purity and virtue. The Christian missionaries in India have contributed towards education, health and service. Christian ScripturesThe Holy Bible is the reverred scripture of the Christians. The stories of the Bible and the Testament have taught people to lead a selfless life.Christian FestivalsThe festivals celebrated by the Christians in India are Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Christmas and New Year. Another festival observed by the Christian community is the ten day festival in the period August-September dedicated to Mother Mary. |
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