St. Thomas wounded by the spear

St. Thomas wounded by the spear

December 18th is the commemoration of the wounding of St. Thomas the Holy Apostle by the spear of the unbelievers according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church. After sowing the seed of the Holy Gospel in Malankara (erstwhile Malabar or Kerala, India), establishing 7 churches & converting numerous faithful to Christianity; St. Thomas left Malankara as he continued on his missionary journey. According to the traditions of the Syriac Orthodox faithful of Malankara, Mor Touma was pierced by a lance while preaching in Mylapore India. His Apostolic mission brought him from Malankara to Mylapore in what is now Tamil Nadu, south India. Sadly, his evangelization work would be cut short. While praying on a hill, St. Thomas was attacked by the servants of the hindu king & temple priests who were angered by his preaching. The soldiers pierced Mor Touma with spears on December 18th 72AD leaving him mortally wounded. He would succumb to his injuries 3 days later. Oh Mor Touma Sleeho! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. Amen.