October 6
The holy and glorious apostle Thomas, who did not believe the other disciples when they announced that Jesus had risen. When Jesus himself showed his pierced side, he exclaimed, "My Lord and my God." After this demonstration of faith, it is related that he evangelized India.
At Vespers
We sing “Blessed is the man.” There are eight stichera at "O Lord, I have cried."
Tone 4, special melody Jako dobl'a. O blessed one, you touched the side of the Lord, * and understood the height of all Good. * As a sponge absorbs water, * so you drew eternal life from the Fountain of Goodness, * the streams of the Age to come, * in order to irrigate all of those * whose hearts had been left parched by ignorance. * You poured out the knowledge of God upon them by your teaching. (3 times)
Through a certain lack of faith, you strengthened * the faith of believers * on that day when you confessed as God and Lord * him who for us was incarnate* and suffered and died on the Cross, * fastened by nails, and pierced by a lance * in his side, from which Life poured forth for all of us. (3 times)
O Lord, the wondrous Thomas * opened a fountain of teachers for your faithful, * when, in touching your side, he was initiated * by your two natures in your two energies, * and cried out, "You are my God and my Master, * O Lord of Glory, incarnate for me!" (twice)
Glory – Tone 6. As a servant of the Word and his divine incarnation, * you drank from wisdom's sea, * O blessed apostle Thomas. * You became a fisher of men, * pulling them from error's depths * by the rod of the precious Cross. * Through the net of your teachings about the Lord, * you have brought light to the world. * In the midst of shadows, * you made the people of India shine with the light of knowledge. * You rejoiced in the glory of Christ in the fullness of light. * Entreat him to take pity on our souls.
Now and ever – the dogmatikon of Saturday evening, in the same tone, or (on Friday night or Saturday night) in the Tone of the week
Entrance with censer, and prokeimenon of the day. Then three readings:
A reading from the First Universal Letter of Saint John (1 John 1:1-7).
A reading from the Universal Letter of Saint James (James 1:1-12).
A reading from the Universal Letter of Saint Jude (Jude 1-7, 17-25).
(Litija stichera)
(Aposticha)
Now and ever – the aposticha theotokion of Saturday evening, in the same tone.
Troparion, Tone 2. You were both a disciple of Christ and a member of the apostolic college. * Your lack of faith proved the Resurrection, and your touch unleashed reverence. * O Thomas, ever worthy of praise, obtain peace and mercy for us.
Glory, now and ever – the festal theotokion of Saturday evening, in the same tone.
At the Divine Liturgy
music
Troparion, Tone 2. You were both a disciple of Christ and a member of the apostolic college. * Your lack of faith proved the Resurrection, and your touch unleashed reverence. * O Thomas, ever worthy of praise, obtain peace and mercy for us.
Glory. now and ever– Kontakion, Tone 4. O Thomas, full of wisdom and grace, * you were a disciple and faithful servant of Christ. * You cried out in the sincerity of your love: * You are my Lord and my God!
Prokeimenon, Tone 8 (Ps. 18:5,2).
Through all the earth their voice resounds; * their message reaches to the end of the world.
V. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
Epistle: 1 Corinthians 4:9-16
Alleluia, Tone 1 (Ps. 88:6,8). Alleuia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
V. The heavens declare your wonders, O Lord, and your truth in the assembly of the holy.
V. God is glorified in the council of the holy, great and awesome above all who surround him.
Gospel: John 20:19-31
Communion Hymn (Ps. 18:5). Through all the earth their voice resounds; * their message reaches to the end of the world.