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The belief that St. Thomas came to India originates in a 3rd century apocryphal religious romance by the Edessan Gnostic poet Bardesanes called the Acts of Thomas.
Bardesanes used the term "India" as a synonym for Asia as did most writers of the day. Those countries east of Jersusalem and the Roman Empire's borders were said to be in India. They included countries as diverse as Egypt and Japan.
The Acts of Thomas states that Thomas was executed by a Zoroastrian king named Mazdai (a Mazdean is Zoroastrian) for cheating and various social crimes including black magic and abducting women.
According to Pope Benedict XVI, Thomas visited Parthia (Iran) and may have reached as far east as North-West India (now Pakistan).
The legend was originally brought to peninsular India by Syrian Christian immigrants to Kerala from Mesopotamia.
The story that St. Thomas was buried on the Coromandel Coast in South India first appears in Marco Polo's famous 13th century travel book Il Milione. The story has no historical value. Marco Polo was repeating travellers tales told to him by Syrian Christian and Muslim traders in Constantinople.
The Portuguese, following Marco Polo, decided quite arbitrarily that Mylapore (Madras now Chennai) was the place of his martyrdom and burial. They destroyed the Kapaleeswara Shiva Temple on the Mylapore beach, created a fake tomb out of materials brought from Goa, built the first St. Thomas Church, and falsely identified the place as Thomas' tomb. Two other Hindu sites in Madras were identified with Thomas by the Portuguese, the temples on them destroyed, and churches raised in his memory.
The legend is highly controversial and is today used by the Roman Catholic Church as a Propaganda tool to malign the Hindu community whom they accuse of Thomas' murder.
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∙ 12y ago
Saint Thomas is believed to have traveled to India around the 1st century AD, spreading Christianity in the region and establishing a Christian community. His missionary work in India is well-documented in historical records and traditions.
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In which country is St. Thomas the patron saint?
There are a number of saints named Thomas so you will need to be more specific.
Why was Saint Thomas killed?
Saint Thomas, also known as Doubting Thomas, was killed because of his strong belief in and preaching of Christianity. According to tradition, he was killed by spearing in India for spreading the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Who was the first saint from India?
The first saint of India was actually St. Thomas the Apostle who was martyred there. The first saint born in India is Saint Alphonsa of India who was canonized on October 12, 2008, by Pope Benedict XVI.
Where did Saint Thomas live?
Saint Thomas, also known as Saint Thomas the Apostle, is believed to have lived and preached in various places including Judea, Parthia, and India. He is best known for spreading Christianity in the Indian subcontinent.
How long did Saint Thomas live?
Saint Thomas, also known as Saint Thomas the Apostle, lived in the 1st century AD. He is believed to have been born in the early 1st century and is traditionally believed to have been martyred in India around 72 AD.
Who is the first Christian saint of India?
The first Christian saint of India is Saint Thomas the Apostle, who is believed to have arrived in India in the 1st century AD and spread Christianity in the region. He is also known as Saint Thomas the Doubter or Doubting Thomas.
Why was Saint Thomas killed?
Saint Thomas, also known as Doubting Thomas, was killed because of his strong belief in and preaching of Christianity. According to tradition, he was killed by spearing in India for spreading the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Who was the first saint from India?
The first saint of India was actually St. Thomas the Apostle who was martyred there. The first saint born in India is Saint Alphonsa of India who was canonized on October 12, 2008, by Pope Benedict XVI.
Why is Saint Thomas the patron of India?
St. Thomas is believed to have traveled to India to spread Christianity. He is revered as the patron saint of India due to his missionary work in the region and his impact on the early Christian community there. Tradition holds that he was martyred in India, further solidifying his connection with the country.
What country was Saint Thomas born in?
St. Thomas was probably born in Palestine but died in India.
Where did Saint Thomas the Apostle live?
Saint Thomas the Apostle is believed to have lived and preached primarily in India and the surrounding region. He is often associated with establishing the Christian community in what is now modern-day Kerala.
Was Thomas there when Jesus was show his desciples the he had come back from the dead?
Saint Thomas was preaching in India when JESUS CHRIST has appeared to His disciples to prove to them that He Has arisen from the death...When Saint Thomas returned from preaching in India,the rest of the disciples told Him that JESUS Has arisen from the death...he didn't believe except when JESUS appeared again and Saint Thomas touched His wounds...
Why did Saint Thomas the Apostle become a saint?
St. Thomas the Apostle became a saint for his strong faith and commitment to spreading the teachings of Jesus Christ. Despite doubts, he witnessed Christ's resurrection and carried out missions to share the Gospel, ultimately becoming a martyr for his beliefs. His dedication and service to the early Christian community led to his recognition as a saint in the Catholic Church.
When did Saint Thomas die?
St. Thomas the Apostle was martyred in India about the year 72.St. Thomas died in AD 72. He was matryed in Mylapore.
Who is the heavenly patron of the Syro Malabar Diocese?
The heavenly patron of the Syro-Malabar Diocese is St. Thomas the Apostle. St. Thomas is considered the patron saint of India and is particularly revered among members of the Syro-Malabar Church due to his missionary work in India.
Where did Saint Thomas live?
Saint Thomas, also known as Saint Thomas the Apostle, is believed to have lived and preached in various places including Judea, Parthia, and India. He is best known for spreading Christianity in the Indian subcontinent.
Why is Saint Thomas the Apostle the patron saint of architects?
Legend and tradition tell us that St. Thomas built several buildings while evangelizing India, including a palace for an Indian prince.
