John Saboe's Far East Travels

Cochin, or Kochi is the second largest Westcoast Indian city after Mumbai with a total population of just over 2 million. Ernakulum District encompassing the townships and total urban area has the highest percentage of Christians in all of India. It’s not surprising to see so many churches and a strong Christian local culture and why it’s so busy in the village of Fort Cochin on a Sunday. Syrian Orthodoxy originally made up the Christian community before Europeans  arrived in the 15th century. Historically Cochin had a large Jewish community arriving here as early as 7th century BC with spice traders. Hindus still make up the largest portion of the population. After Christians,  Muslims are the third biggest group in Cochin, many living in  Matancherry township.With the diverse mix of beliefs, spirituality and cultures Cochin is also known as a very tolerant community with harmony like nowhere else in India.Fort Kochi was a simple fishing village before the Portuguese were handed over control in 1503. It was