Eastern Rite ~ Feasts of 12 April AM 7534

Today is Antipascha or Saint Thomas Sunday and the Feast of Our Venerable Father and Confessor Basil, Bishop of Parios (741-75).

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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 Basil the Confessor, Bishop of Parium, lived during the eighth century. He was elected as bishop by the inhabitants of Parium, who venerated the saint as a true pastor of the flock of Christ.

When the Iconoclast heresy broke out, Saint Basil resolutely came out on the side of icon veneration and refused to sign the orders for their abolition (the “Iniquitous Scroll”) of the Council of 754 which was convened under the emperor Constantine V Copronymos (741-775). The saint avoided any contact with the heretics and did not permit them into his diocese. For his zeal he suffered much persecution, hunger and deprivation.

Saint Basil remained faithful to the Catholic Church until his death.