What's the first Sunday of the Holy 50 Days after the Resurrection?

By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-10

The first Sunday after the Feast of the Resurrection (Easter) is known as Thomas Sunday (sometimes called "New Sunday").

In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, this day holds great significance within the Holy 50 Days (the Pentecostarion period). Here are the key details regarding this Sunday:

1. The Appearance to St. Thomas

The day commemorates the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ to His disciples eight days after the Resurrection, specifically to address the doubt of St. Thomas. As recorded in the Gospel of John (20:24-29), Thomas had declared he would not believe unless he saw the print of the nails in the Lord's hands. When Christ appeared, He invited Thomas to touch His wounds, leading Thomas to make the great confession of faith: "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28).

2. Liturgical Rites

• The Joyful Tune: Throughout the Holy 50 Days, all prayers are chanted in the Joyful Tune.
• No Fasting or Prostrations: During this period, including Thomas Sunday, there is no fasting (even on Wednesdays and Fridays) and no metanoias (prostrations), as we are in a continuous celebration of the Resurrection.
• The Procession: The Resurrection Procession is performed in the church during the Matins raising of incense and the Divine Liturgy.

3. Theological Meaning: The "Eighth Day"

Thomas Sunday is often referred to as the "Eighth Day" (as noted in Church tradition and the writings of the Fathers). While the number seven represents the cycle of the temporal world and the first creation, the number eight represents the New Creation and the eternal life of the world to come. By appearing to the disciples "after eight days," Christ confirms the dawn of the new, spiritual era.

4. Connection to the Holy 50 Days

According to the Coptic tradition, the Holy 50 Days are considered a single continuous feast of the Resurrection. Each Sunday within this period focuses on a specific aspect of our life in the Risen Christ:

1. First Sunday: Thomas Sunday (Belief in the Resurrection).
2. Second Sunday: The Bread of Life.
3. Third Sunday: The Living Water.
4. Fourth Sunday: The Light of the World.
5. Fifth Sunday: The Way, the Truth, and the Life.
6. Sixth Sunday: Victory over the world.
7. Seventh Sunday: Pentecost (The Descent of the Holy Spirit).