The name Thomas derives from the Aramaic word ta’am, meaning “twin” or “one who has a counterpart.” In the Gospel of John, he is also called Didymus, which translates to “twin” in Greek (John 11:16): “Thomas, also known as the Twin.” Some interpretations suggest that Thomas was nicknamed for his resemblance to Jesus.

Thomas was chosen as one of the Twelve Apostles (Matt. 10:2-4; Mark 3:14-19; Luke 6:13-16). He is prominently featured in the Gospel of John in several key episodes. During Christ’s journey to Bethany, when the other disciples expressed fear of the dangers associated with the trip, Thomas declared, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him” (John 11:16). Thomas is most famously known for his skepticism. After Christ’s Resurrection, when Jesus appeared to the apostles, Thomas was absent. Upon hearing of the miracle, he stated, “Unless I see in His hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into His side, I will never believe” (John 20:25). Eight days later, Jesus appeared again and invited Thomas to touch His wounds. Overwhelmed, Thomas proclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28).

In apocryphal tradition, Thomas plays a unique role in the narrative of the Dormition of the Theotokos. According to this account, Thomas arrived three days after the Virgin Mary’s burial and requested the tomb to be opened so he could bid farewell. He is said to have witnessed her Assumption into heaven, leaving him her girdle as proof of the miracle.

Thomas is also prominent in Gnostic texts, where he is depicted as a recipient of Christ’s secret teachings. The apocryphal Acts of Thomas (4th century) narrates his mission to the Indian king Gondophares, who sought an architect to build a palace. Thomas accepted the money for construction but instead distributed it among the poor while preaching Christianity. When the king discovered this, he imprisoned the apostle. However, the king’s deceased brother appeared to him in a dream, revealing a heavenly palace built through Thomas’s charitable acts. The king subsequently converted to Christianity. Thomas endured persecution during his travels, including being martyred for converting a king’s wife to Christianity, leading her to renounce her marital obligations. Thomas was ultimately executed by sword or spear at the king’s command.

Iconography
In Ukrainian tradition, Thomas is often depicted beardless, symbolizing his youthful martyrdom. In the apostolic row of iconostases, he is typically placed at the far left, with the beardless Apostle Philip at the opposite end, making their identification challenging. Thomas is most commonly portrayed in a blue tunic and a red himation. His attributes include a scroll, a builder’s square symbolizing the construction of the heavenly palace, and a spear or dagger, signifying his martyrdom. The scene of the “Incredulity of Thomas” is a key element in Pentecostal cycles and frequently depicted in Christian art.

Mykhailo Skop

Incredulity of Thomas icons