St. Habel of Kaipetta

First Convert from the Chera Dynasty of Kerala.Born on May 5, 1816, in Kaipatta Village, near [ Tiruvalla ] , Kerala to parents Adityan and Unni Thangom, belonging to Adi Cheran, a Royal Family of ancient Travancore. Aryan migration caused their downfall and eventually, the community became labour class. His Hindu name was Daivathan [Man of God] ; Married Poovom; Son Udayan [Rising Sun] , Daughter Chothi [Jyothi – Flame] ; all were baptized on the same day, on September 6, 1854.

Following Baptism, he learned Theology from Europeans and traveled far and wide establishing congregations and churches. Stephanose Vattappara and Habel together spread the Gospel of Christ to thousands of people who took Baptisms and joined the Church.

Habel died at the age of 84 on August 18, 1899. Bishop Edward Noel Hodges attended his funeral. People revered him as a Saint. On September 6, 2003, Arch Bishop Dr. Stephen Vattappara, declared him as a Saint, in a solemn function held at Tiruvalla.

At Kallooppara, a nearby Village of Kaipatta, The Arch Diocese had constructed a Church. This was named after St. Hebel of Kaipatta. The present President of ICCC, Dr. Kwang Jae Choi declared the Church after the name of St. Habel on Sunday 22nd January 2006 during divine service.