On May 8, on the Sunday of Antipascha, or Sunday of St. Thomas, our Parish family gathered for a beautiful celebration. Our Rector, Archpriest Igor Tarasov served the Divine Liturgy in our temple.

Following the Gospel reading he preached a homily in Russian. In that homily the Rector spoke about the great value of faith when someone believes without any proof. However, for many people some proof may be helpful and may strengthen their faith. This was the case of the Holy Apostle Thomas who desired to believe in the Resurrection of Christ but needed a proof. And the Lord condescended to him and showed Thomas His risen body. Thus many people may doubt but a doubt should be positive, with a wish to believe. Then the Lord may help us and give us a chance to make our faith stronger.

After the Liturgy dismissal the Rector preached a short sermon in English explaining the ideas of his Russian homily.

Following the service the Rector distributed Paschal blessed bread, called the Artos, to the parishioners.