Relics of St. Thomas kept at Patmos monastery

The post states that according to published church sources, the head of St. Thomas the Apostle is preserved at the Monastery of St. John the Theologian on the island of Patmos. A prayer to St. Thomas follows. The prayer addresses him as the chosen disciple who received authority to heal the sick, cleanse lepers, raise the dead, and cast out demons.

It recounts how Thomas clung to Christ out of love, willing to die with him, but was absent when the risen Savior first appeared to the other disciples. Thomas did not believe until he placed his finger in the nail wounds and his hand in Christ's side. The Lord fulfilled the desire of Thomas's heart and confirmed him in faith.

The prayer asks Thomas to open the eyes of faith so believers may perceive with spiritual vision what physical eyes cannot see, to grant hope in God's condescension so that sinful despair does not prevail, to reveal the blessedness of love which is strong as death, and to help the faithful serve Christ on earth so that with Thomas and all the saints they may glorify the all-holy and magnificent name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.