Eastern Rite - Feasts of 24 April AM 7530

Today is Antipascha or Saint Thomas Sunday and the Feast of the Holy Martyr Sabbas Stratelates (“the General”).

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Some icons depicting this event are inscribed “The Doubting Thomas.” This is incorrect. In Greek, the inscription reads, “The Touching of Thomas.” The Slavonic inscription is, “The Belief of Thomas.” When Saint Thomas touched the Life-giving side of the Lord, he no longer had any doubts.

This day is also known as “Antipascha.” This does not mean “opposed to Pascha,” but “in place of Pascha.” Beginning with this first Sunday after Pascha, the Church dedicates every Sunday of the year to the Lord’s Resurrection. Sunday is called “the Lord’s Day” in Greek.

Troparion — Tone 7

From the sealed tomb, You did shine forth O Life! / Through closed doors You did come to Your disciples, O Christ God! / Renew in us, through them, an upright spirit, / by the greatness of Your mercy, O Resurrection of all!

Kontakion — Tone 8

Thomas touched Your life-giving side with an eager hand, O Christ God, / when You did come to Your apostles through closed doors. / He cried out with all: You are my Lord and my God!

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Saint Savva Stratelates came from a Gothic tribe. For his bravery he attained the high rank of military commander or “stratelates,” and he served under the Roman emperor Aurelian (270-275).

From his youth, Savva was a Christian and he fervently followed the commands of Christ. He helped the needy and visited Christians in prison. Because of his pure and virtuous life, the saint received from the Lord the gift of wonderworking, healing the sick and casting out demons in the name of Christ.

When the emperor learned that Saint Savva was a Christian, he demanded that he apostatise. The martyr threw down his military belt and declared that he would not forsake his faith. They beat him, burned him with torches, and threw him into a cauldron with tar, but the martyr remained unharmed.

Looking on at his torments, seventy soldiers came to believe in Christ. They were beheaded by the sword. Saint Savva was thrown in prison. At midnight, while he was praying, Christ appeared to the martyr and shone on him the light of His Glory. The Savior bade him not to fear, but to stand firm. Encouraged, the Martyr Savva underwent new torture in the morning and was drowned in a river in 272.

Troparion — Tone 5

You abandoned earthly rank and honour, / and as an athlete, confessed Christ God before the false and tyrannical emperors. / For His sake, you endured much suffering, O glorious one. / Therefore, splendidly adorned with the armies of heaven, / you have been crowned with a beautiful wreath of victory / by the King who reigns over all. / As you stand before Him, O Savva, / pray that He may save our souls.

Kontakion — Tone 4

You were shown to be an invincible athlete, most blessed Savva, / overcoming the snares of the barbarians. / You contended with faithfulness, / conquering a multitude of the invisible enemy. / Therefore, you have woven a wreath of victory. / Most glorious one, entreat Christ for those who honour you with faith.