Ginbot 4 — May 12

Saint Abba John, the Shepherd Who Did Not Want to Be Chosen

Today we remember Saint Abba John the First, the twenty-ninth archbishop of the great city of Alexandria. An archbishop watches over many churches at once and helps all the people learn about God.

When John was still young, he went to live in a quiet place in the desert called Scete. There he became a monk in the monastery of Saint Abba Macarius, a peaceful home where men spend their days praying together. John loved God very much and was glad for the long, quiet hours of prayer.

When the old archbishop, Abba Athanasius, died, the people needed a new shepherd. The wise teachers and leaders all looked at John and said, "You should be our new archbishop!" But John felt shy and did not want such a big job. He thought he was too small for it. Still, everyone asked him kindly, again and again, until at last he prayed and said yes.

John turned out to be a caring shepherd. He read the Bible to the people, taught them what is true, and chose good helpers to look after the churches. A kind emperor named Zeno, who loved God too, helped him. Zeno even sent ships full of grain, oil, and good things to the desert monks so they could build churches.

All of John's days were spent in quiet and peace, because God had filled people's hearts with goodwill through his prayers and teaching. After eight happy years, God gently called him home. We remember him as a friend of kings and a builder of churches.

Perhaps this is the will of our Lord Jesus Christ.— Abba John, when he agreed to be archbishop

Sosima and Noda, Two Faithful Friends

This day belongs to two brave friends as well, Sosima and Noda. They worked as servants for a man named Victor.

Even though they were not rich or famous, Sosima and Noda loved God with all their hearts. When hard times came, they would not stop trusting in Jesus, no matter what. They stayed faithful right to the end, giving up their lives rather than turn away from God. That is why we call them martyrs.

We do not need many words to know how special they were. God saw their faithful hearts, and now they are safe and happy with Him in heaven. Their story reminds us that anyone, big or small, can be a true and loving friend of God. We ask these two kind saints to pray for us.