Hamle 14 — July 21

Brave Saint 'Abrokonyos, the Soldier Who Loved Jesus

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, One God. Amen.

Saint 'Abrokonyos, the Brave Soldier of Jesus

Today we remember a brave soldier named 'Abrokonyos (say it like ah-broh-KOH-nyos). He was born in the city of Jerusalem. His father, Christopher, loved Jesus. His name even means "Bearer of Christ," which means "one who carries Christ in his heart."

His mother did not yet know Jesus. She wanted her son to have a big, important job, so she took him to a powerful ruler. The ruler made 'Abrokonyos a governor, a leader in charge of a whole city. But the ruler also gave him an unkind order: to be cruel to people who loved Jesus.

As 'Abrokonyos rode toward his new city, the sky lit up before him. A bright cross of light shone above, and a gentle voice spoke to him. It was Jesus. "I am Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God," the voice said. 'Abrokonyos could hardly believe it. From that day, he decided he would never hurt anyone for loving Jesus. Instead, he made a cross of gold to carry, because now he loved Jesus too.

When his mother asked him to thank the old idols (statues that people prayed to, but which are only stone and wood), 'Abrokonyos answered bravely. He said he would thank only the one true God who had helped him.

Because he loved Jesus so openly, unkind leaders tried to make him change his mind. They were not gentle with him. But that night, Jesus came to him in great light, with shining angels, and made him all better and strong again! When the people saw that 'Abrokonyos was safe and well, many of them shouted with joy, "We are Christians too! We believe in the God of 'Abrokonyos!" Even his own mother came to love Jesus.

'Abrokonyos stayed faithful to God to the very end, and he gave his life rather than turn away from Him. That is what we mean by a martyr. He was not afraid, because he knew he was going home to live with God forever, in joy that never ends.

I am Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God.— the voice from the cross of light

I will thank only my Lord Jesus Christ, who helped me by His life-giving Cross.— Saint 'Abrokonyos

Flip Cards

Who was 'Abrokonyos?A brave soldier and governor who came to love Jesus. What did 'Abrokonyos see in the sky?A bright cross of light, and he heard the voice of Jesus. What did 'Abrokonyos make to carry after he met Jesus?A cross of gold, because now he loved Jesus. Who else came to love Jesus because of 'Abrokonyos?Many people, and even his own mother. What can we learn from 'Abrokonyos?To be brave and stay faithful to God, no matter what.

Tap a card to flip it and see the answer!

Glory be to God Who is glorified in His Saints. Amen.