Hamle 20 — July 27

Theodore the General, Who Trusted God

Today we remember a brave soldier named Theodore (say it: THEE-oh-dor). His father, John, loved God and prayed every day that his son would grow up to love God too.

When Theodore grew up, he learned about Jesus and was baptized, welcomed into God's family with water and prayer. He became a strong, kind general, a leader of many soldiers.

One day, a great army came to hurt the land. The emperor was scared. But Theodore was not, because he trusted God more than swords. He said his real strength came from Jesus, not from weapons. With God's help, he kept the people safe, and everyone cheered.

In another town, the people were frightened of a huge serpent. A kind widow's two sons were in danger from it, and she begged Theodore to help. Theodore knelt down and prayed. Then, in God's strength, he stopped the serpent, and the two boys were saved! The whole town watched in wonder. After that, Theodore went to find his old father, and they lived happily together until his father went home to God.

Later, the emperor turned away from God and was unkind to people who loved Jesus. Theodore bravely said he would always follow Christ. The emperor hurt him, but God sent the angel Michael to comfort Theodore and make him strong. God even kept fire from burning him! Many soldiers saw this and started believing in God too. In the end, Theodore stayed faithful to the very last and died a martyr. He was not afraid, for he knew he was going home to heaven, and God still answers prayers in his memory today.

My trust is in the help of my Lord Jesus Christ.— Saint Theodore

Be strong, O Theodore.— the angel Michael

Hanna, the Mother of Mary

Today we also greet Hanna, the mother of Saint Mary. That means Hanna was the grandmother of Jesus! She was a good and gentle woman who loved God with all her heart.

We thank God for grandmothers and mothers who teach us to pray and to be kind, just like Hanna did. We send a happy greeting to her today.

More Friends of God We Remember

We remember several other holy people who loved God too. There was Saint Theocytus and Saint Timothy, who watched over many churches as the archbishop of the great city of Alexandria. They served God faithfully their whole lives.

We also remember Saint Moses and Saint Julitta, and a large group of four hundred and forty brave friends of God who stood together with a man named Cyriacus. They all stayed faithful to God, and now they are happy with Him in heaven forever.

And we send a warm greeting to two more of God's dear ones, Gabra Iyasus and Thekla, who also loved and served the Lord. When we remember all these good people, we can ask God to help us be loving and faithful, just like them.