Ginbot 30 — June 07

Abba Michael, the Kind Archbishop

Today we remember a holy father named Abba Michael. When he was very young, he already loved the books of the Church. He read them again and again until he knew many of them by heart!

Michael wanted to give his whole life to God, so he went to live in a quiet, sandy place called the desert. There he prayed near a monastery, a peaceful home where people pray together. Later he lived alone in a tiny room, praying for many, many years.

People saw how good and wise he was, so they chose him to lead many churches in the big city of Alexandria as their archbishop. But Abba Michael did not want fine things or money for himself. He kept only a little for food and gave the rest to people who were poor and hungry.

He bought books and beautiful things for the churches, and every single day he read the Bible to the people and taught them. When he was very old, God called him home to heaven to receive his crown. As he was leaving, he made the sign of the cross and gave his soul gently to God.

He kept only a little for himself, and gave the rest to the poor, the needy, and the hungry.

The Apostle Sisticorus

We also remember the Apostle Sisticorus. He was one of the seventy-two disciples, the helpers who followed Jesus and learned from Him.

For three years Sisticorus walked with our Lord Jesus. After Jesus went up to heaven, Sisticorus stayed close to the other apostles, and God's Holy Spirit filled his heart with courage and love.

He became a good friend and helper to Saint Paul. He carried Paul's letters to faraway cities, traveling far to the East. Everywhere he went, he taught people about Jesus and baptized them, welcoming them into God's big family.

Sometimes his work was hard, and he felt sad and tired. But he never gave up sharing God's love. At the end of his life, he rested in peace, knowing he had served God well.

Saint 'Arwa, Who Always Trusted God

Saint 'Arwa (say it: AR-wah) was a brave woman from long ago who loved God with her whole heart. No matter what happened, she always wanted to do what was right and good.

'Arwa went through many, many hard adventures. People treated her unfairly and even blamed her for things she did not do. But through it all, she kept trusting God and never stopped being kind and honest.

God gave 'Arwa a special gift: when she prayed, sick people got better. She lived quietly in a little cave by the sea, praying all the time, and people came from far away because God healed them through her prayers.

One day, all the people who had once been unkind to her came to her, hoping to be healed. 'Arwa forgave every one of them. She prayed, and God made blind eyes see again and weak bodies strong again. The people could hardly believe how God had turned their sorrow into joy.

When 'Arwa grew old, she dressed in clean clothes and prayed one last gentle prayer, asking God to take her home. Then she fell asleep peacefully and went to be with the God she had loved and trusted her whole life.

Whoever puts their trust in God shall not be lost, and whoever believes in Him shall be kept safe.

Dimadis the Martyr

Today we also remember a faithful friend of God named Dimadis. He was a martyr — someone who stayed close to God and loved Him with all his heart, even when it was very hard.

Dimadis was brave and did not stop believing in Jesus. We thank God for friends like him, who show us how to be faithful and strong. We ask him to pray for us all.