In 1579 when the Muthedathu, Elayidathu ruler gave permission to build churches, The Marthoma (Chaldaic Christians) at Arthunkal built a thatched chapel facing north in the name of St. Thomas. There they kept the Holy cross and the statue of St. Thomas and began worship. (This St.Thomas Statue is kept in the south altar, in the new church).

Arthunkal Old Church

Portuguese Missionaries visited Muthedath and found somany St. Thomas Christians here. They were not baptised, but their ancestors were. The protuguese Bishop Dom Matheeus Demadina built a church made of wood in the name of 'Santhanthraos' in the place of the thatched chapel on 30th November 1581, The Portuguese missionaries established "Santharthre mission" and forced the Marthomite Christians to accept the Latin rite. The first vicar was Fr. Gasper Pius S.J. In 1584 A.D., Fr Jacomo Fenicio S.J. was appointed vicar of Arthunkal. He started construction of a new church in stone, with permission of the King, and completed it in 7 years. After Fr Fenicio was transferred to Kozhikode, eight priests took charge in succession.

Fr Fenicio was appointed again in 1619, and in the next year, he reconstructed the church. He was much loved and was considered a holy man by the people and the administrators. People called him saint and 'Veluthachan', meaning white father. 'Veluthachan' later became the popular name of St. Sebastian. Fr Fenicio said to have performed lots of miracles while he was still alive. Even Hindus believed in the power of his prayers and approached him for his blessings. He was known as the second Apostle of the east and died in 1632. Huge was the crowd including kings flowed in, to pay him the final tribute. His body was buried inside the church and people used to pray and light candles there. The tomb is still preserved near the altar of the old church. Later in 1640 Fr. Fossaseka who took charge after Fr.Fenicio rebuilt it facing towards West.

In 1647 the statue of St.Sebastian was brought from Milan and placed here. In 18th Century, the church was taken charge by Carmelite missionaries from Jesuit missionaries. During the Carmelite service on 29 November 1829. Blessed Chavara Kuriyakose Ealiyas was ordained by Rt.Rev.Dr.Stabalini the Bishop of Verapoly who was residing in Arthunkal St.Andrew's church.

Msgr. Daniel Kurisunkal

Rev. Dr. Dominic Koilparambil

In the second half of the 19th century, Fr Gasper Bylon de Mariatoris Kaithavalappil was appointed vicar, to be the first local priest to take charge of Arthunkal Church. During the vicarship of Fr. Vincent Das Navis, in 1910, foundation stone for the present new church was laid.

Fr. Sebastian Presentation who was considered a holy priest, Msgr Silvarius Jackson who later became the first Vicar General of the diocese of Alappuzha and Msgr Daniel Kurisunkal who completed the present church, were the successors. Msgr Daniel Kurisunkal was followed by Msgr Peter Karumancherry, Msgr Andrew, Fr. Paul Arackal, Fr.Mariyan Jose Periera.

The present Vicar Forane is Rev.Fr. Pius Arattukulam assisted by Rev. Fr. Nelson Arukulasseril, Rev. Fr Solomon Charanghattu, and Rev Fr Joseph Jenesius Saiza who is in charge of Little Flower Church, Ayiramthai.

Rev.Fr. Mariyan Jose Periera

Rev.Fr. Pius Arattukulam

Fr. Nelson Arukulasseril " Contact to The Vicar, St Andrew's Forane Church, Arthunkal P.O., Cherthala, Alappuzha, Kerala India PIN 688 530 0091-478-2572374, 2573560 arthinkalchurch@yahoo.co.in