Hamle 1 — July 08

Brave Little Cephronia

Cephronia was only twelve years old, but she loved God with her whole heart. Her sister Ariana led a nunnery, a quiet home where women lived together to pray. Fifty women lived there, between two rivers. Ariana taught Cephronia how to read the Holy Books and how to pray.

In those days a ruler named Diocletian did not want people to follow Jesus. His soldiers came looking for the women who loved God. Most of them had hidden safely, but Ariana stayed behind. When the soldiers tried to take Ariana away, brave little Cephronia stepped forward. She said, "Take me instead, and let this old woman go free."

No matter what happened, Cephronia would not stop loving Jesus. Cruel men hurt her because she stayed faithful, and she died for her faith. She was not afraid, though, because she knew she was going home to God. A kind, rich man who loved Jesus cared for her body, and God worked many healings near her. We say: Salutation to Cephronia, the brave girl who loved God.

Take me instead, and let this old woman go free.— Saint Cephronia

Three Faithful Servants of God

Today we remember three more holy men. Kalyos was an archbishop of the great city of Rome, a leader who watched over many churches. Bartholomew was the second. The third was Gebre Medhin, a good monk who gave his days to prayer.

All three spent their lives serving God and helping the people around them. When their work on earth was done, God called them home to rest with Him. We thank God for their faithful, loving lives.

Beyus and Benjamin, the Brother Priests

Beyus and Benjamin were two brothers, both priests in a church in Egypt, who led the people in prayer and worship. Their father looked after the church, and he was a kind and gentle man. God gave the brothers a wonderful gift: when sick people washed in water from the church's well, they got better right away.

One day their father became very ill and called for Benjamin. But Benjamin was busy in church, finishing the holy prayers. By the time he was done, his father had passed away. Benjamin was sad, because his father had hidden the church's money and never told him where it was.

So Benjamin went out to the desert to ask the wise, holy men for help. One of them told him exactly where the money was hidden, and Benjamin carried it safely home. From then on, the brothers gave their whole lives to prayer and good works. When their work was done, God called them home. He even told a holy woman about their good lives, and the people built a church to remember them. We say: Salutation to Benjamin and to Beyus.

Ignatius the Archbishop

We also remember Ignatius today, an archbishop who loved Jesus very much. He stayed faithful to God his whole life, and his courage showed everyone who came after him how to be brave too. We thank God for kind Ignatius.

Thomas the Apostle and a Joyful Miracle

Thomas was one of the twelve apostles, the closest helpers Jesus had. Through Thomas, God showed people how much He loved them.

One day a young man came to Thomas, feeling very sorry. He had done something terrible and hurt someone, and now his hands would not work. Thomas spoke to him kindly: "Do not be ashamed. God is helping you to learn." The man told Thomas everything and said he was truly sorry. Then Thomas prayed over some water and asked, "Do you believe in our Lord Jesus Christ? Wash your hands." The man washed, and his hands worked again.

Then something even greater happened. Thomas led the man to a place where a woman had died. Thomas prayed, and told the man to take her hand and say, "Through faith in Christ, you are raised up." The man took her hand, and she sat right up, alive and well! Everyone there could hardly believe their eyes. The woman bowed to Thomas and thanked God.

After that, many people began to believe in God and to share what they had with the poor. They brought their sick friends from far away, and through Thomas's prayers God healed every one of them. We say: Salutation to Thomas.

I with my hand harmed you, and with my hand Christ raises you up, through faith.— the man, at Thomas's word