Every year on July 3rd, Christians across the world, especially in India, solemnly celebrate the feast of Saint Thomas the Apostle, also known as Dukrana Thirunal among the Saint Thomas Christians. This day is not just a commemoration of an ancient martyrdom but a living remembrance of a profound legacy of faith, sacrifice, and the courage to believe without seeing.
Saint Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, is famously remembered for his initial doubt of the Resurrection and his eventual powerful proclamation of faith: “My Lord and my God.” After Pentecost, tradition holds that Thomas journeyed far from the Roman world, carrying the Gospel to the East. He is believed to have arrived in Muziris (present-day Kodungallur in Kerala, India) around 52 AD, establishing one of the oldest Christian communities in the world outside the Middle East.
The churches founded by him, known as the Ezharappallikal (Seven and a Half Churches), still hold a revered place in Indian Christian heritage.
According to ecclesiastical tradition, Saint Thomas preached across southern India, especially in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, before meeting martyrdom near St. Thomas Mount in Chennai in 72 AD. He was speared to death by local chieftains opposed to his teachings. His remains were later taken to Edessa (modern-day Urfa in Turkey), but the place of his martyrdom and the tomb in Chennai remain sacred pilgrimage sites.
His martyrdom is not just the end of a mission it is a symbol of the perseverance of the Gospel in a foreign land. Saint Thomas is thus remembered as the “Apostle of India” and the patron of many Christian communities in India and abroad.
The Syro-Malabar and Syro-Malankara Churches, along with Latin Rite Catholics and other denominations in India, mark this day with solemn liturgical celebrations, processions, and spiritual reflections. In Kerala, the day is a blend of sacred memory and vibrant cultural expression, involving special prayers, community feasts, and gatherings.
For the Saint Thomas Christians of India, this is not just a feast it is a deep rooted part of their identity. The celebration affirms a lineage that traces its faith directly back to the time of the apostles.
In the context of increasing secularization, religious indifference, and political hostility, the story of Saint Thomas resonates more than ever. His initial doubts, followed by resolute faith, remind believers that struggle is often part of belief, and witnessing truth demands both courage and humility.
This year, as Indian Christians mark Saint Thomas Day, many also voice concern over perceived governmental insensitivity such as the scheduling of public exams or official duties on this sacred day. For many, this points to a larger issue: the failure to recognize the spiritual heritage and religious rights of a significant community.
Saint Thomas Day is not just about honoring a historical figure. It is a call for believers to become modern-day apostles bearing witness to truth, justice, and compassion in a world increasingly marked by division and doubt. It is a day to remember that the faith brought to Indian soil nearly 2,000 years ago still thrives through service, sacrifice, and community.
Saint Thomas Day is more than a date on the Christian calendar it is a testament to the enduring power of faith and the foundational role of Christianity in India’s cultural and spiritual history. As bells toll and candles are lit on July 3rd, millions echo the apostle’s words “My Lord and my God” with renewed conviction, in gratitude for a faith handed down across centuries, and in hope for a future where all communities are respected and free to live their faith without fear or marginalization.
May the memory of Saint Thomas continue to inspire generations to live with courage, question with honesty, and believe with unwavering heart.