Thomas said to him, “My Lord and My God�. (St. John 20:28)
Issue No. 7 Vol. X
July 2016
Monthly newsletter of Kuwait St. Thomas Mar Thoma Church
St. Thomas Day The Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle, established in the twelfth century, originally fell on December 21, the day of the winter solstice. Folk customs attached to the saint's day, therefore, reflected both the occurrence of the solstice and the closeness of Christmas. Although the Roman Catholic Church has since moved St. Thomas's Day to July 3, Some Anglicans preserve the December date. The Greek Orthodox Church celebrates the saint's feast on October 6.
Life and Legends of St. Thomas the Apostle Thomas the Apostle (called Didymus which means "the twin") was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ, according to theNew Testament. He appears in all four gospels, but is best remembered as doubting Thomas because he doubted Jesus' resurrection when first told (in the Gospel of John), followed later by his confession of faith, "My Lord and my God", on seeing Jesus' wounded body.
According to legend, St. Thomas spread the gospel to the East, venturing as far as India in his quest. There he established a Christian community in the southwestern region known then as Malabar, currently part of the state of Kerala. One story claims that Thomas found and baptized the Three Kings . These three then became India's first bishops. Another tale reports that an Indian king commissioned Thomas to build an opulent palace. Instead, the saint took the money entrusted to him for the project and distributed it to the poor. He died a martyr's death and was buried in Mylapore, near the city of Madras. Artists often depicted the saint kneeling by the side of the risen Christ, verifying Jesus' identity by touching his wounds. Artists have also portrayed him holding a carpenter's rule. In medieval times he was known as the patron saint of architects, masons, and stonecutters. We the St. Thomas family in Kuwait is planning to celebrate St. Thomas day on 5th July, Tuesday at 7.30 pm. at St. Thomas Center. Rev. Georgie Varghese and Rev. Prince Korah will lead us in worship services. All are cordially invited for the worship service. St. Thomas Centre Tel : 2564 7060
(For Private Circulation only)
E-mail: st.thomasmtcq8@gmail.com www.st-thomasmtckuwait.com
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