Synaxarium – Meskerem 1 / September 11

Long ago, in the beautiful lands of Egypt and Ethiopia, people joyfully awaited a very special day each year—Meskerem 1, the first day of the Ethiopian New Year. On this day, day and night were exactly the same length—twelve hours each. It was the perfect symbol of balance and renewal.

Saint Paul once said, “Everything becomes new in Christ,” and that’s how people treated Meskerem 1—as a chance to start fresh. They prayed more, did good deeds, and promised to turn away from bad habits.

Even the Prophet Isaiah spoke of such a time, saying, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me… to bring good news, heal the broken, and declare the year of God’s mercy.” It was a time of blessing, forgiveness, and hope.

In some places, like near the Tekaze River, people would dip into the water, just as Job the righteous man once did. He was healed of all his sickness there. Many believed the water of the new year carried God’s blessings for the whole year ahead.

But Meskerem 1 was also a day to remember great saints, people who lived with courage, faith, and love for God.

One of the twelve apostles of Jesus, Saint Bartholomew, had an amazing journey. After Jesus returned to heaven, Bartholomew traveled far to share the Gospel. In one city called El-Wah, he went with Saint Peter.

In an unusual plan, Peter had Bartholomew secretly sold as a servant, so he could live among the people and teach them quietly. Bartholomew worked in a vineyard, and when he planted young vines, they miraculously bloomed and gave fruit right away!

One day, the governor’s son died. Bartholomew prayed, and God brought the boy back to life. The people were amazed and believed in Jesus.

Later, God sent him to a land called Barbar, where people were wild and cruel. They didn’t want to hear about God. So God sent a dog-faced man, a powerful creature with the body of a man and the face of a dog, to protect the apostles.

When the people released wild beasts to attack Bartholomew and Andrew, the dog-faced man fought off the animals and frightened the city. The people then believed in Jesus, and many were baptized. Churches were built, and the land was changed.

But one day, a wicked king named Agrippa heard of Bartholomew’s work. He ordered him to be put in a sack of sand and thrown into the sea. And so, Saint Bartholomew became a holy martyr, giving his life for Christ.

Another saint remembered on Meskerem 1 is Abba Melyos, the Archbishop of Alexandria. He served the Church just a few decades after Jesus rose to heaven.

Abba Melyos was wise, kind, and faithful. He led the Church for twelve years and passed away peacefully, loved by his people. He is remembered as a shepherd of truth and peace.

Now, let’s hear a true story that sounds almost like a fairy tale. It’s about a boy named Melki, from a wealthy family in Kuelzem, near Egypt.

Melki’s parents were kind and generous but had no children. One day, Melki’s father heard children reciting, “Let us remember our fathers who taught us so we may become children of God.” He became very sad. “Who will remember me when I die?” he wondered.

So he and his wife fasted and prayed, asking God for a child. God answered, and they had twins—a boy named Melki and a girl named Sefna, which means “Dove.”

Melki loved God from a young age. He didn’t play like other children. He preferred to read Scripture. When he was twelve, his parents wanted him to get married, but he had other plans.

He told his father, “I want to throw a feast for my school friends.” His father gave him gold and servants to help. But instead of planning a party, Melki gave all the gold to the poor, gave his horse to a beggar, and disappeared.

His family searched for him everywhere. His sister cried so much that she became blind and passed away. His parents mourned deeply.

Meanwhile, Melki had gone to a monastery at Debra Tur, led by his uncle Mar Awgin, a holy monk. Melki asked to become a monk, and his uncle accepted joyfully.

After three years of training, Melki became known for deep prayer, fasting, and miracles.

One day, Melki met weeping shepherds. “Why are you crying?” he asked. “A giant snake swallowed the governor’s son!” they answered.

When the governor arrived, heartbroken, Melki prayed. He then commanded the snake in Jesus’ name, and it released the boy—alive and unharmed.

The governor offered him gold, but Melki refused. Instead, he asked to build a monastery. The governor agreed, and they built a huge place with 300 rooms for monks.

Melki’s name spread across Persia and Rome. He healed the sick, cast out demons, and comforted many.

But Satan was jealous. He made the daughter of the Roman king go mad. She screamed, “Only Melki of Kuelzem can heal me!”

The king sent 400 soldiers to find him. When they did, Melki said, “Go ahead. I will meet you at the gates of Rome.” And by the Holy Spirit, Melki was carried there instantly!

He prayed over the princess, and the demon shouted, “Where can I hide from you, Melki of Kuelzem?” Then it flew out of her like smoke.

The king offered him riches, but Melki asked only for two massive stone basins for his monastery. The king laughed, saying, “No man can lift those!”

Melki then released the demon, made it carry the stones to the monastery, and then locked it in a cave, sealed with the Sign of the Cross.

After 45 years of monastic life, Melki heard a voice from heaven: “Your time is near. In three days, you will join us in eternal joy.”

He gathered the monks and encouraged them: “Stay faithful. Watch out for the enemy’s tricks.”

On the third day, heavenly saints—Abba Antony, Abba Macarius, and others—appeared, saying, “Come, rejoice with us.”

Melki’s soul rose to heaven as angels sang, “He has labored and shall live forever.” Miracles happened at his grave, and people came from far and wide to pray and be healed.

Also on this holy day, we remember the archangel Raguel, the angel of light and justice. He taught the prophet Enoch about fire and the end of the world. We ask his prayers to guide us into light and truth.

As the New Year begins, we remember Saint Bartholomew, Abba Melyos, Saint Melki, and Archangel Raguel—heroes of faith and light. They lived for God, helped the poor, and stood strong in truth.

May their stories inspire us to be kind, brave, and faithful. And may God, who is glorified in His saints, bless this new year for us all. Amen.