Hamle 7 — July 14

Abba Sinoda, Who Loved God for a Hundred Years

Today we remember a holy father named Abba Sinoda (say it SIN-oh-dah). Before he was even born, a kind old monk named Arsenius met his mother by a well. Arsenius blessed her and said her baby boy would grow up to bless the whole world, and that his name would be loved everywhere.

When Sinoda was a boy, he watched over his father's sheep. While the other shepherds rested, he would climb down into a well on cold winter nights and pray until morning. One old man said that when Sinoda prayed, his fingers shone like ten little lamps!

Sinoda gave his whole life to God as a monk, praying, fasting, and doing good. He wrote many helpful books, and he made rules to help monks and other people live close to God. He became like a bright light for everyone.

One time, after a big meeting of church leaders far away, the sailors would not let Sinoda ride on the ship. So Sinoda prayed, and God sent a soft cloud that lifted him up and carried him over the sea! As he floated above the water, he waved down at his friend on the ship and called out a kind greeting. Everyone was amazed and thanked God.

Jesus loved to visit Sinoda and talk with him. Sinoda lived to be very, very old, more than a hundred years! When it was time, Jesus came and gently took him home to rest forever.

God shall bless the good fruit of thy womb, and his fame shall be in all countries for ever.— the blessing of Arsenius

Abba Makabis of the Desert

We also remember a holy father named Abba Makabis (say it mah-KAH-bis). He went to live in a quiet, empty place called a desert, where there were no towns and hardly any people.

There he spent his days praying and trying to please God with everything he did. Even in such a lonely, sandy place, Makabis was never really alone, because God was always with him. He pleased God greatly, and that is the best thing anyone can do.

Saint Ignatius, the Brave Teacher of Rome

Today we remember a brave church father named Ignatius (say it ig-NAY-shus). He was a leader in the great city of Rome, and he taught crowds of people about Jesus. So many people listened to him and began to love God.

The ruler of that time did not want Ignatius to keep teaching. He even offered Ignatius lots of gifts to make him stop. But Ignatius would not stop loving Jesus, no matter what. He was not afraid, and he was not tempted by the presents.

In the end, Ignatius gave his very life rather than turn away from God, and that is why we call him a martyr. Before he went home to God, he gave the people kind words to help them stay strong and brave in their faith too. His friends carefully laid him to rest in a good place that God had made ready for him.

Be strong in the True Faith.— the words of Ignatius to his people

The Holy Pilgrim

Today we also say a happy greeting to a holy person who became a pilgrim. A pilgrim is someone who leaves home and travels far to be closer to God. They give up their own comfy house and their easy days to walk a long road for the love of God.

We do not know many stories about this pilgrim, but we know they loved God enough to leave everything behind and follow Him. That is a beautiful thing, and so we remember them today with thanks.

George the Priest, Whom Mary Taught to Pray

Last of all today, we remember George the priest. A priest is a church leader who helps people pray and worship God.

George was given a very special gift. The Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, taught him how to pray! Praying is simply talking to God, and Mary helped George learn to do it well. George shows us that anyone, even a child, can talk to God and grow closer to Him every day.