Second Sunday of Easter

May 5, Sunday

White Sunday (also known as Antieaster or Foma Sunday) is a Christian holiday celebrated on the Sunday eighth day after Easter, concluding Bright Week. It commemorates the events described in the Gospels when the Apostle Thomas was convinced of the resurrection of Jesus Christ by seeing his wounds.

Historical and Theological Significance
The name "Antieaster". The term "antieaster" comes from the Greek word "anti", which can mean "in place of" or "in response to". It is not an opposition to Easter, but an indication of its connection with it. Antieaster is a re-celebration of Easter a week later, symbolizing the constant joy of the Resurrection of Christ.

Thomas Sunday. The holiday is also called Thomas Sunday in memory of how the Apostle Thomas, nicknamed "the unbeliever", did not believe in the Resurrection of Jesus until he saw Him in person and put his fingers into His wounds. This day emphasizes the importance of faith, even without direct vision or physical evidence.

Liturgy and rituals
Worship. On Fomas Sunday, a special festive service is held in Orthodox churches, where elements of Easter services are repeated. An excerpt from the Gospel is read, telling about the appearance of Christ to Thomas.

Holiday traditions. On this day, it is customary to gather with family and friends for a joint meal, continuing the Easter celebration. Some people visit cemeteries to commemorate the dead, since the next day is Radonitsa - the day of remembrance of the dead, which follows Antieaster.

White clothes. One of the symbols of the holiday is the color white, which reflects the purity, light and joy of the Resurrection. In the early Christian church, believers baptized on Easter continued to wear white clothes throughout Bright Week, and on Antipascha they were removed.

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Second Sunday of Easter in other years

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Second Sunday of Easter in other countries