Hamle 4 — July 11

Saint John and Saint Simon

Long ago in a town called Sarmalas, a mother and father wished very much for a baby. They prayed and prayed, and God gave them a little boy. They named him John.

When John was a boy, his father gave him sheep to look after. Every day John shared his food with the other shepherds and with travelers on the road, and he waited to eat his own dinner until the evening. One day his father went to check on him and looked in the place where John kept his food. It was full of warm, fresh bread! It was a happy surprise from God, and from then on everyone knew that God's special love was on John.

When John grew up he became a priest, a leader who prays for people and serves God in church. His cousin Simon became his helper and wrote down what God did through him. When John prayed and gently put a little olive oil on people who were sick, God made them well again.

Once a king named Marianus had a daughter who was very ill, and no one could help her. John knew God wanted him to go, but the journey was far across the sea. So God sent a cloud that lifted John up and carried him all the way to the king! John prayed for the girl, and God made her completely well, with no hurt at all. The king and everyone in his house were so thankful, and they praised God.

John and Simon loved Jesus all their lives and stayed faithful to Him to the very end, even when it cost them everything. That is why we call them martyrs. They were not afraid, because they knew they were going home to God. Even today, people are healed where their bodies rest.

God sent a cloud that lifted John up and carried him across the sea, and he prayed, and the king's daughter was made completely well.

Abba Isaiah of the Desert

We also remember a holy man named Abba Isaiah. He was an anchorite (say it: AN-ker-ite), someone who lived all alone in a quiet desert place called Scete so he could pray to God all day long.

Abba Isaiah loved God with his whole heart. We say a happy hello to him and ask him to pray for us.

Abba Gabriel the Archbishop

Abba Gabriel had a mother and father who loved God and taught him to love God too. When he was very little, some holy monks came to visit. One wise old monk had a dream in which many church leaders gathered around the boy and blessed him. The old monk said, "This boy will grow up to be a great leader for many people."

And it came true! Gabriel grew up loving the Bible and learning all about God. He became a monk and lived in quiet places, praying and helping others. He worked hard to fix up an old church and made it beautiful again. Everyone loved him because he was humble and kind.

After many years, the leaders and the people chose Gabriel to be the archbishop of the big city of Alexandria, a father who watches over many churches. He did not want all that honor for himself, but the people wanted him, so he gently agreed.

As archbishop, Gabriel cared for everyone. He visited people who were sick and brought them what they needed, and he comforted anyone who was sad. When hard times came to God's people, Gabriel prayed for them, and God answered his prayer and kept them safe. Near the end of his life, God comforted Gabriel and told him not to be afraid, but to be glad. After a little while Gabriel went peacefully home to God, and he was buried with great love and honor.

Fear not, but rejoice, for you have received the grace of the kingdom of the heavens.