Renovation

All of the virtues and powers of God are attained primarily by prayer. Without prayer, there is no spiritual life. Prayer is natural and we were fashioned by God to live a life of prayer. It should be brief and regular so that it can be kept in all conditions and circumstances. To remind yourself that it is "face to face," place an icon of the Theotokos before you as you pray.

Saint Thomas

On the eighth day after the Feast of The Resurrection, the Church remembers the gathering of the Disciples and celebrates Thomas’ confession. Thomas’ brief but pointed affirmation of belief “My Lord and my God”, (Jn. 20:28) is the title often given to the Icon of St. Thomas. Thomas, who has seen Christ in His earthly existence, now is transformed to see Christ through the eyes of faith.

In the Icon, Christ shows Himself to Thomas. Christ the dominant figure at the center, initiates the activity in the Icon as He bends toward Thomas and shows him His side. Thomas is called to see and believe. The remaining Apostles stand as witnesses to the Risen Lord. This event takes place in the upper room where the Disciples gathered, and the closed doors witness to Christ’s entering even though the doors were locked. This Icon is a witness of the Resurrection. It is a witness to us and a call to believe and profess our faith in Christ, our Lord and our God.