The Christianity of Trichur traces its origin back to the Apostolate of St.Thomas, who landed at Crangannore (Kodungallur) in the present district of Trichur in the year 52 AD. According to tradition he founded the first Church in India at Palayoor. The present Archdiocese of Trichur was begun as a Vicariate Apostolic on May 20, 1887 and was erected as diocese in 1923 and a Metropolitan See in 1995. It was the biggest diocese in India in Catholic population until the dioceses of Palghat and Irinjalakuda were bifurcated in 1974 and 1978 respectively. The significance of Trichur as the cradle of Christianity in India, the most ancient diocese of the Syro-Malabar Church, the cultural capital of Kerala and the centre of religious harmony was reiterated during the visit of Pope John Paul II in 1986 and the CBCI Meeting-2004. The contributions of the Archdiocese of Trichur through its religious, social, educational, medical, cultural and other institutions for the growth of Kerala are widely acclaimed as meritorious.