This weekend, the parish of Saint Thomas Greek Orthodox Church in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, will gather for a celebration rooted in faith and tradition. The first Sunday after Easter, known as Antipascha or Saint Thomas Sunday, reflects the Apostle Thomas’s encounter with the risen Christ — a moment that speaks to human doubt and belief.
The word “Antipascha,” meaning “in place of Pascha,” marks the close of Bright Week and the beginning of the Church’s life in the light of the Resurrection.
At Saint Thomas, the occasion is both a religious and community event. Great Vespers will be held on Saturday evening, followed by the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Sunday morning. His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey will preside over the services, assisted by the V. Rev. Archimandrite Avgoustinos Psomas, the parish’s Presiding Priest.
The weekend also includes a reception on Saturday and a luncheon on Sunday, open to all who wish to join the parish in honoring its patron saint.
The evolving iconography inside the church continues to draw the attention of visitors and parishioners alike, offering a glimpse into the beauty and depth of Orthodox tradition. Saint Thomas stands out not only as the largest Greek Orthodox parish in the Delaware Valley but also as the only parish dedicated to Saint Thomas in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
Cosmos Philly will livestream the services for those unable to attend in person. Coverage begins Saturday at 7:00 p.m. for Great Vespers and continues Sunday at 9:00 a.m. with the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy.
