July 3 is celebrated as St. Thomas Day in the Indian (Syrian) orthodox tradition. This day is significant because it was on this day that the relics of this holy saint was shifted from India to Edessa, Mesopotamia. Indian Christians actually remember St. Thomas on three days – December 18 (the day he was lanced with spears), December 21 (the day he died) and July 3 (the date of the shifting of his relics). These feasts are very important for Christians in Kerala as it reminds us about our rich tradition and faith. St. Thomas the Apostle is one of the 12 Apostles of Christ. He was known as ‘Didymus’ which means ‘twin’. Traditions say it was because two fingers on the hand of St. Thomas were joined that he received this name. Another tradition claims that it was because he was born as the twin brother of Adai. But we do not have much historical records about the life and work of St. Thomas. Since he doubted Jesus’ resurrection, he’s often known as “Doubting Thomas”. But we should remembe...