Hamle 13 — July 20

Saint Abba Basendius, the Bishop With Shining Hands

When Abba Basendius (say it: bah-SEN-dee-us) was still young, he became a monk and gave his days to quiet prayer with God. He worked very hard to love God with his whole heart, and he learned many parts of the Bible by heart, like the Psalms of David and the books of the prophets.

Then a strange and beautiful thing began. The Synaxarium says that when Basendius read the words of a prophet, that very prophet would come and sit with him until he finished reading. And when he lifted up his hands to pray, his ten fingers would glow like ten little lamps. God worked in wondrous ways through this holy man.

One day three shining men came to him and gave him some keys. They told him it was time to take care of God's people. So Basendius became a bishop in a city called Keft, lovingly watching over its many churches. When he led the prayers, he could see our Lord and His angels there with him. He had a kind, sweet voice, and people never grew tired of listening to him teach.

Basendius even knew, a few days early, when it was time for God to call him home. He gathered all his people, taught them, and reminded them to keep loving God. Then he gently gave his soul to God. Afterward, God kept doing good things through him. Even a small piece of his clothing helped sick people get well when they came with faith.

When he lifted up his hands to pray, his ten fingers would shine like ten lighted lamps.

Saint Ammon, the Brave and Faithful

Saint Ammon (say it: AH-mon) came from a town in the north of Egypt. One day God's great angel, Saint Michael, came to visit him. Saint Michael told Ammon what was coming and helped him be ready and brave.

Ammon loved Jesus so much that he was not afraid to say so out loud, even to a powerful ruler who did not believe. Some unkind people hurt Ammon because he would not stop loving God. But God gave him strength, and again and again God made him strong and well, so that he was not in pain. God was taking care of His friend the whole time.

Then Jesus Himself came to comfort Ammon, looking like a kind young man. Jesus told him something beautiful: that anyone who calls on Ammon's name when they are in trouble will be helped, and that He would remember and bless all who tell Ammon's story.

In the end, Ammon gave his life rather than stop loving God, and so he went home to be with Him forever as a martyr. He was not afraid, because he knew where he was going. A good man named Saint Julius lovingly wrapped Ammon's body and sent it to his own city, where it still helps people today. God kept doing good things through brave Saint Ammon.

Whoever calls upon your name when they are in trouble, I will come down and help them.— the words of Jesus to Ammon