Today the Church celebrates the holy patriarchs—our fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. These great men loved God with all their hearts and trusted Him no matter what happened.

Abraham – The Father of Faith

Abraham was called the father of many nations. Why? Because he trusted God completely, even when things seemed impossible.

One night, God told him in a vision:

“Leave your home and your father’s house. I will show you a new land.”

Abraham obeyed without question and traveled to new lands. Later, when God promised that Abraham would have a son, he believed—even though he was 100 years old and Sarah, his wife, was very old too! And just as God said, their son Isaac was born.

One of Abraham’s greatest tests came when God asked him to offer Isaac as a sacrifice. Abraham did not doubt. He placed Isaac on the altar, trusting that God had the power to give him back if needed. At the last moment, God sent His angel and said:

“Do not harm the boy. Now I know you love Me, for you did not withhold your only son.”

Because of his faith, God blessed Abraham, promising that his children would be as many as the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore.

Abraham lived a long life and was known everywhere for his kindness, hospitality, and deep love for God. Truly, he is remembered as the Father of Faith and even called the “Father of Christ” in the flesh, because Jesus was born from Abraham’s family line.

Isaac – The Child of Promise

Isaac was the miracle child born to Abraham and Sarah. He also trusted God just like his father. When Abraham prepared to sacrifice him, Isaac willingly obeyed, showing his own faith.

Isaac grew up, married Rebecca, and had two sons: Esau and Jacob. Isaac lived peacefully and was gentle by nature. Once, when his servants fought over wells of water, Isaac chose not to argue—he simply moved and dug new wells.

As he grew older, his eyesight became weak. Wanting to bless his son Esau, he asked him to hunt and prepare food. But through God’s plan and Rebecca’s guidance, Jacob received the blessing instead. Isaac lived to be 180 years old, and when he died, he was buried with his father Abraham and mother Sarah.

Jacob – The One Called Israel

Jacob, Isaac’s younger son, was chosen by God and later called Israel. Though he made mistakes, he loved God and learned to trust Him.

When his brother Esau was angry, Jacob had to leave home. He worked many years tending flocks before marrying and raising twelve sons. These twelve became the twelve tribes of Israel.

Jacob once had a dream of a ladder reaching to heaven, with angels going up and down. He woke and said:

“This is the house of God and the gate of heaven!”

Another time, Jacob wrestled with God in a vision. From then on, he was called “Israel,” which means “one who wrestles with God.”

Jacob’s life was not easy. His beloved son Joseph was sold by his brothers, and Jacob thought Joseph was dead. He wept so much that his eyes became blind. Later, during a great famine, Jacob’s sons went to Egypt for food and discovered Joseph was alive! Joy filled Jacob’s heart again, and he lived his last years in Egypt with his family.

Before dying at 146 years old, Jacob blessed each of his sons. He gave Judah the promise of kingship, saying that one day the Savior, Christ, would come from Judah’s family. Jacob was then buried with Abraham and Isaac.

Other Saints Remembered Today

On this day we also remember:

• Abba Barsebu (Barsoba) and ten monks who were his disciples. They became martyrs, bravely dying for Christ.
• The captain of the royal horses and eight hundred companions of Isidore, who also gave their lives in faith.

Salutation to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, our holy fathers!
Salutation to Abba Barsebu and the brave martyrs!

Glory be to God, who is always glorified in His saints. Amen.