Thomas the Apostle

Thomas the Apostle, also known as Didymus, which means 'twin' in Greek, is a prominent figure among the Twelve Apostles of Jesus as depicted in the New Testament. He is often referred to as 'doubting Thomas' due to his initial skepticism regarding the resurrection of Jesus. This doubt transformed into a profound declaration of faith when he encountered the risen Christ, famously exclaiming, 'My Lord and my God' upon witnessing the wounds of Jesus.

Tradition holds that Thomas first arrived in India at or near Muziris, where he began his missionary work. He is credited with establishing the Church of the East in the regions surrounding Van Province, Edessa, and Hakkari in Upper Mesopotamia, which corresponds to modern-day southeastern Turkey. His evangelistic efforts spanned many years, reaching both Jewish and non-Christian communities before he ventured further east in the late forties.

In the year one thousand two hundred fifty-eight, some of Thomas's relics were transported to Ortona, Italy, where they are enshrined in the Church of Saint Thomas the Apostle. Among Indian Christians, he is revered as the patron saint of India, with the Feast of Saint Thomas celebrated on July third, recognized as Indian Christians' Day. The name Thomas remains widely popular among the Saint Thomas Christians of the Indian subcontinent.

Beyond India, many churches in the Middle East and southern Asia trace their historical roots back to Thomas, acknowledging him as the first evangelist who laid the foundations for their faith. His legacy continues to inspire countless believers around the world.