St. Thomas or known as Didymus, which both means “Twin” was among the 12 Apostles of Jesus Christ. Several churches in Middle East, Asia and India are the fruits of the evangelical mission of St. Thomas. He is considered as the Apostle of India and our church – The Malankara Church was founded by the Apostle in AD 52. Our tradition says that the Apostle evangelised the local community and founded 7 churches in Kerala, India. There are several legends attributed to St. Thomas about his mission work in India, and a popular one is his encounter with the King Gondophares.
The Apostle was martyred in AD72 in the present-day city of Chennai in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. His tomb is in Santhome Cathedral, Chennai. Our church celebrates the feast of St. Thomas on 21st December. July 3rd is also celebrated as St. Thomas Day, commemorating the event of transferring the relics of the Apostle from India to Edessa.
St. Thomas is our spiritual father who begot us in Jesus Christ. He was a firm believer of his Master and was stubborn in his faith. He was brave to the extend that he told his fellow Apostles that “Let us also go, so that we may die with Him: John 11:16”, when Jesus wanted to visit Lazarus. The ultimate proclamation of our faith was also uttered by St. Thomas when he touched the holy wounds of Jesus Christ: “My Lord and My God: John 20:28”
The supreme head of Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, the Catholicose of the East is enthroned on the Apostolic Throne of St. Thomas. We are proud be known as his children with his namesake - St. Thomas Christians. Let his prayers be a stronghold for us.
