Thomas, Saint, was one of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ. He is mentioned often in the Gospel of John, where he is also called Didymus, which means the Twin in Greek. Thomas encouraged the apostles to go with Jesus into Judea, despite the danger of persecution (John 11:16). When Jesus spoke of His death and Resurrection at the Last Supper, Thomas wanted to know how he and the other apostles could follow Him (John 14:5). Thomas is also known as “Doubting Thomas” because he refused to believe the report of Jesus’ Resurrection unless he could touch His wounds (John 20:24, 25). When Jesus allowed him to feel His hands and His side, Thomas became a believer, saying, “My Lord and my God” (John 20:26-29).
According to tradition, Thomas preached in Parthia or India. He was reportedly martyred in India. His feast day in the Roman Catholic Church is July 3. The Eastern Orthodox Churches celebrate his feast on the first Sunday after their Easter celebration.
