Sunday of St. Thomas

In the traditional one-year lectionaries in both eastern and western churches, the sunday following Easter is the sunday of St. Thomas. On this day the story of Jesus' post-resurrection appearance to the disciples, including doubting Thomas, is read from John 20:19-31. In those churches that have moved to a three-year lectionary, the reading of this gospel lesson on the first sunday after the Paschal feast is still maintained.


Orthodox Family Life

Is it unusual that the church should celebrate a famous doubter in its calendar? I don't think so. After all, if Jesus died and rose to save us from our sins, then this would include the sin of actively doubting the reality and efficacy of his redemptive grace.

On this day is often sung the well-known hymn, "O Sons and Daughters, Let Us Sing," four of whose stanzas run as follows:

When Thomas first the tidings heard,
How they had seen the risen Lord,
He doubted the disciples’ word.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

“My piercèd side, O Thomas, see;
My hands, My feet, I show to thee;
Not faithless but believing be.”
Alleluia! Alleluia!

No longer Thomas then denied;
He saw the feet, the hands, the side;
“Thou art my Lord and God,” he cried.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

How blessed are they who have not seen,
And yet whose faith has constant been;
For they eternal life shall win.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

Later: Here is a particularly ancient version of "O Filii et Filiae," and here is the midi.