St. Thomas

St. Thomas the Apostle, also known as "Doubting Thomas," is recognized for his role among the Twelve Apostles of Jesus and is celebrated for his missionary work in India.

Life and Significance

St. Thomas, whose name means "twin" in Aramaic and Greek, is one of the Twelve Apostles mentioned in the New Testament. He is best known for his initial skepticism regarding the resurrection of Jesus, which earned him the nickname "Doubting Thomas." According to the Gospel of John, when the other apostles told him that they had seen the risen Christ, he famously declared that he would not believe unless he could see and touch Jesus's wounds. When Jesus later appeared to him, Thomas proclaimed, "My Lord and my God," affirming his faith.

Missionary Work

Tradition holds that St. Thomas traveled to India to spread the Christian faith, particularly in the region of Kerala, where he is regarded as the patron saint of Indian Christians. He is credited with establishing several churches and is considered the founder of the Church of the Syrian Malabar Christians. His missionary efforts are believed to have taken place around 52 AD, and he is said to have evangelized in various regions, including parts of modern-day Iraq and Iran.

Feast Day and Legacy

St. Thomas's feast day is celebrated on July 3, particularly among Indian Christians, who honor him as a significant figure in their religious heritage. His legacy continues to influence Christian communities in India and beyond, where many churches and institutions are named after him. He is also recognized as the patron saint of architects.

Conclusion

St. Thomas the Apostle's journey from doubt to faith serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of belief and the transformative power of encountering the divine. His contributions to the early Christian church, particularly in India, highlight his role as a key figure in the spread of Christianity across cultures and regions.

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Some of our sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_the_Apostle
www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Thomas

The Feast of Title: St. Thomas

We invite you to remember in your prayers this week, the congregation of St. Thomas Parish Church as they celebrate their Feast of Title on Thursday, July 3, 2025.

We extend these thoughts and prayers to the Priest, Rev. Audrey Griffith, Priest-in-charge of St. Thomas, the PCC of the church, all other organizations and the congregation as they observe their special day.