The ancient carving of original structure in St. Mary's Church also includes a cross which is believed to have been carved by St. Thomas himself.

The church is believed to have been consecrated by St. Thomas the Apostle, in circa 63 AD which makes it the oldest Church structure in the world. The beautiful wooden structure is a hidden gem in the quaint town of Thiruvithamcode in Kanyakumari district.The altar on this Syrian Orthodox church is facing west, while preists face east, towards the altar and also direction of rising sun.