The Feast of St.Thomas the Apostle

St. Thomas was born as a Jew, probably a builder like St. Joseph, in Galilee and was one of the twelve Apostles of Jesus. His date of birth is unknown and his date of death is December 21, 72. His feast, formerly observed on December 21st, isnow celebrated on July 3^rd known as Dhukrana which means remembrance. St. John the Evangelist gives three interactions of Thomas with Jesus which are all communicative of the commitment of Thomas to Jesus and his ministry. Thomas was the only apostle who went outside Roman Empire to preach the gospel. Along with other countries, he also preached in India and was martyred there. Though he was buried in Mylapore, major parts of his remains were moved to Edessa and Italy.

There are some writings and traditions on the missionary work of St. Thomas in India. He reached Muziris (Kodungalloor in the present Kerala State) in 52 A.D.  There was a Jewish community there during that time. St. Thomas established seven and a half churches in the present Kerala. They are at Kodungallur, Palayoor(Chattukulangara), Kottakkavu (Paravoor), Kokkamangalam, Niranam, Nilackal (Chayal), Kollam and Thiruvithamcode (Travancore), the half church. Thomas baptized several familiesincluding Pakalomattom, Sankarapuri, Kalli, Kaliyankal, Nedumpilly, Panakkamattom, Kunnappilly, Vazhappilly, Payyappilly, Maliakkal, Pattamukku and Thaiyil.Some other families also claim to have their Christin origin during this time.

Like the other apostles, Thomas could perform many miracles by the grace of God to help and convince the people to embrace Christianity. According to legends, Thomas performed many such signs in Syria, Persia, and India. One among the converts was the wife of the King of Mylapore in Madras. The King summoned Thomas in 72 A.D., and asked him to offer sacrifice to an idol. When the reluctant Thomas was forced to approach the idol, it was miraculously shattered into pieces. The furious king ordered the high priest to kill Thomas.

After condemned to death, four soldiers pierced Thomas with spears at hillock now known as St. Thomas Mount. San Thom Cathedral was constructed at his burial place.

The feast of St. Thomas was celebrated on December 21^st according to the Roman calendar of the 9^th century believing that he died on that date. In 1969, this feast was transferred to July 3^rdbecause that was the date mentioned by St. Jerome in his Martyr-ology. The remains of St. Thomas were transferred from Mylapore to Edessa on July 3, 232. So, the remembrance of St. Thomas was also associated with that date. Transferring the feast from December 21^stto July 3^rdwas advantageousfor better observance of advent. Traditionalist Roman Catholicsand many protestant churches still celebrate the feast of St. Thomas on December 21st. The Eastern Orthodox and Byzantine Catholic churches celebrate feast of St. Thomas on October 6^th. The Sunday after Easter is also celebrated as the feast of St. Thomas in remembrance of St. Thomas proclaiming his faith in the Risen Lord by stating, “My Lord and my God.” The Malankara Orthodox church celebrates three feasts of St. Thomas: on July 3^rd remembering the transfer of relics to Edessa, on December 18^th the day St. Thomas was lanced and on December 21^st when he died.