Hamle 3 — July 10

Saint Cyril, the Pillar of the Faith

Today we remember a holy father named Cyril (say it: SEER-il). He was a great teacher in the big city of Alexandria, and he loved God with his whole heart.

When Cyril was young, his uncle sent him to live at a monastery, a quiet home where people pray together. There Cyril studied the Holy Bible. God gave him such a sharp mind that when he read a book once, he remembered every word! In just one year, he learned the whole Bible by heart.

Cyril grew up to be an archbishop, a leader who takes care of many churches. People loved to hear him read the Scriptures, because his voice was so sweet that no one ever wanted him to stop.

One day a man named Nestorius (say it: nes-TOR-ee-us) began teaching wrong things about Jesus. Many bishops came together from far away to talk it over, and they chose Cyril to lead the meeting. Kindly but bravely, Cyril helped everyone see the truth: that Jesus is truly God and truly the Son of God. He wrote many books to explain the true faith, and people still read them today.

After a long life of teaching and loving God, Cyril became a little sick and then fell asleep in peace, going home to the God he loved.

God gave him grace and intelligence so great that when he had once read a book, he knew it by heart.

Saint Coelestinus, Watched Over by Angels

We also remember a kind father named Coelestinus (say it: sel-es-TEE-nus), who was the archbishop of the great city of Rome.

Coelestinus loved God and the church very much. But a ruler did not like him and wanted to send him away. So Coelestinus quietly went to live in a faraway monastery, and there God healed the sick and answered many prayers through him.

One night, while Coelestinus was sleeping, the angel Raphael came to him in a dream. (Angels are God's helpers from heaven.) The angel said, 'Get up and travel to the city of Antioch, where you will be safe.' So Coelestinus trusted God and went, and a good bishop there welcomed him.

Then God did something the ruler never expected. In a dream, holy saints came to the ruler himself and told him he had done wrong. He woke up afraid and sorry. He sent a kind letter and asked Coelestinus to please come home. The people of Rome welcomed Coelestinus back with great joy and great honor, and the church was full of quiet and peace again.

When Coelestinus grew old, holy saints came to him again in a dream and said gently, 'Come to us, for Jesus is calling you.' Coelestinus told his people to take good care of one another, and then he fell asleep in peace, carried home to God.

Rise up and depart to the city of Antioch, and abide there, for you will be safe.— the angel Raphael, in Coelestinus's dream