Tradition says that Malayattoor was one of the visited lands of India’s first apostle, Saint Thomas. As the name suggests ‘Malayattoor’ is an amalgamation of the words ‘mala’ (mountain) ‘aru’ (river) and ‘ooru’ (place). Oral tradition and Syrian history says that while travelling through Malayattoor, saint faced the hostile natives and he fled to the hill top where he is said to have remained in prayer and that he left his foot prints on one of the rocks. Obeying the words of his ‘master’, Saint Thomas travelled and preached the ‘divine gospel’. History says that it was from ‘Pandya’ ie., the present ‘Tamil Nadu’ that the saint reached Kerala. Initially the natives were doubtful of his preaching and behaved in a hostile manner. Sad by the state of affairs the saint retreated towards the mountain for peace of mind and prayer. During his self communion he was blessed with the apparison of blessed Virgin Mary.

The saint who received the vision of the Holy Mother was empowered by the divine spirit, approached the people of the valley and boldly preached the gospel. After that, a few individuals were baptized and formed the Christian community. The apostle spent about two months in Malayattoor with the people of God and during his stay in Malayattoor, he used to go to the Malayattoor mountain for prayers. Even after the apostle left Malayattoor, those who accepted his faith started a practice of praying at the place on top of the hill where the saint had apparition of the Virgin Mary, imitating the saint who lead them to faith. The main reason for starting the pilgrimage at the top of the Malayattoor hill was the apparition of the Virgin Mary that Thomas had. It is natural that the place with the apparition of the Holy Virgin Mary has become a pilgrimage center for Christians over time.

St. Thomas Church Malayattoor, is a parish in the Major Archdiocese of Ernakulam – Angamaly, belonging to the Major Archiepiscopal church of Ernakulum – Angamaly which is also called Syro-Malabar church.

St. Thomas Parish belongs to Malayattoor-Neeleeswaram Gram Panchayat in Aluva Taluk, Ernakulam District The first church was established in AD 700 on the banks of the river Periyar. The parish church or the first church established on the banks of the Periyar was founded in the name of Saint Thomas. The church was established with the aim of fulfilling the spiritual needs of Christians in Malayattoor as well as  the pilgrims who came to Kurishumudi. The famous golden cross at Malayattoor Church was crafted in 1736. According to the description in the chuch’s inventory of movable items, the cross is adorned with 104 banyan leaf – like designs (alilakal), 10 bells (manikal),4 spikes (kathirukal) and a 27 – inch tall silver plate, along with copper flowers (chembu malarukal and gemstones). Excluding these decorations the cross itself is made of 8.5 carat gold weighing 2 panam (a traditional unit of weight) valued 295 rupees at the time. This cross continues to be displayed during the feast rituals of Malayattoor Church and holds a position of special reverence.

During 1923 – 1924 renovation activities were conducted in the church under the leadership of Hon. Vadasseriyachan. The inner side was beautified with a special type of brick and, the alter and other places were beautified with special colors. Pope Saint John Paul II said in the order given on June 21, 2005 that those who are unable to climb the mountain due to physical disability can visit the St. Thomas church of Malayattoor Thazhathe palli and get complete indulgence.

The facilities of the old church seemed to be inadequate and considering the increasing number of pilgrims, the idea of ​​a new church was conceived. On January 1, 1999, His Eminence Major Arch bishop Mar Varkey Vithayathil laid the foundation stone for the new church. The church, which was completed under the leadership of Fr. John Theckanath, was consecrated on 15th January 2012 by His Excellency Major Archbishop Mar George Alencheri. A new ceiling was done to make the new church more beautiful and it was blessed on 22nd March 2024 by the Vicar Rev. Fr. Jose Ozhalakattu.

Till the late 19th century, Kurishumudi had only a small chapel of Ponkurish and another small chapel for Holy Mass. According to the request of the increasing number of pilgrims, a decision to build a big church in Kurishumudi was made at the general meeting of the Malayattoor church and a request was submitted to the Vicar Apostolica of Trissivaperur, Bishop Medliate. He came to Kurishumudi on 13 Karkidakam 1893 and laid the foundation stone for the church. The construction work of the church started in 1901. Ernakulam Vicar Apostolic Bishop Mar. Louis Pazheparampil blessed the new church at Kurishumudi on 6th January 1905 at 7 am. The main shrine at Kurisumudi was built on a single slab of rock. The foot prints of the saint and the golden cross at the West and the perennial spring at the North made the rock being described as ‘a single rock with miracles’. Information about the construction of the church can be found on a stone placed at the foundation of the church and on the wood placed under the roof of the church. On August 20, 1909, a decree was also received from Pope Pious X, who ordered full indulgence for those who visit and pray on the mountain.