Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Christians of various denominations have announced that for the first time they will celebrate the feast of Saint Thomas, the Apostle, on July 3 as Indian Christian Day.
Announcing this, Dr Chacko, Bishop of Indore, said, “India has been world famous for its Indian spices since ancient times. Indian merchants used to go to west by sea route and merchants from there used to come to India. Saint Thomas came to Malabar coast of Kerala in 52 AD with one such merchant named Habaan. King welcomed him and it was then that Christianity sprouted on land of India.”
After this, Saint Thomas moved towards present Tamil Nadu. There, he preached Christianity and because of this, Saint Thomas was martyred near Chennai in 72 AD. Since then, Indian Christian considers Saint Thomas as their patron saint. “Christianity took root 2000 years ago,” Chacko said.
Father Babu Joseph, the spokesman of Indore Catholic Diocese, said, “21st century is important for Christianity, as about 2000 years ago, Jesus Christ came on earth in human form.”
Therefore, from 2021 to 2030, the community is going to celebrate Decade of Celebration. Joseph said, "Christianity has been an integral part of Indian history for past 2,000 years and has given rise to many indigenous forms of Christian life."
On Saturday, prayers will be offered in churches across India. The community will pray that through Saint Thomas, may God grant all Indians good health, prosperity, and peace. “Most importantly, get rid of the disease called Covid-19 as soon as possible,” said BA Alvares from Indore Christian Media Forum.
