Hamle 21 — July 28

A Feast for Our Lady, Saint Mary

Today is a very special, happy day! It is a big feast for our Lady, Saint Mary the Virgin. We call her the God-bearer, which means she is the mother of Jesus, who is God. Out of all the people in the whole world, God chose this gentle young woman to be the mother of His Son. What a gift to her, and to us!

Saint Mary loved God with her whole heart. When God's angel told her she would be Jesus' mother, she said yes with joy and trust, even though she did not understand everything. She wrapped baby Jesus in soft cloths and held Him close. She watched Him grow, and she always pointed people to Him.

Because Mary said yes to God, we sing happy songs to thank her. On this day we greet her with kind words, just like the angel did long ago. We ask her to pray for us, because she is close to her Son, Jesus.

Mary teaches us something simple and beautiful: when God asks us to do something good, we can say yes, even when it feels big. Saying yes to God brings joy.

Salutation to thee, O Mary.

Saint Susenius, the Kind Helper

We also remember a good man named Saint Susenius (say it: soo-SEN-ee-us). He worked for the emperor, the ruler of the land, and God gave him wisdom and a very kind heart.

Susenius loved to help people. He visited everyone who was sick. He sat with them, cheered them up, and asked about their troubles so he could help. Anyone could come and talk to him, because he was so friendly and warm.

One time the church leaders, called bishops, came together for a big meeting. A holy teacher named Abba Cyril (say it: SEER-il) came too. Susenius took care of Abba Cyril and all the bishops and made sure they had everything they needed.

Then Susenius became very sick. In a dream he saw someone inviting him to a great, happy feast in heaven! He told Abba Cyril about it. Abba Cyril asked, 'Would you like me to pray to Jesus to make you well?' Susenius said, 'Yes, please, so I can first give all I own to people who are poor.' Abba Cyril prayed, and Susenius got better! He happily gave away everything he had to those in need. Then he lay down and went peacefully home to God. Abba Cyril asked everyone to remember this kind helper every year on this day.

The Birth of Eustathius

This is also the day a holy man named Eustathius (say it: yoo-STAY-thee-us) was born. His birthday is a happy thing to celebrate, because God brought a good and faithful servant into the world. We say a glad greeting to him.

Lawa-Christos and His Wife

We also remember the blessed Lawa-Christos (say it: LAH-wah-KRIS-tos) and his kind wife. They were married, and together they chose a quiet, holy life that was all about loving God. They prayed a lot, and sometimes they would go without eating for a while so they could spend that time in prayer instead. This is called fasting.

Every day they worked hard at being kind. Lawa-Christos went out to the quiet, open land to watch over the sheep. His wife stayed home and set a table full of food for travelers and visitors who needed a place to rest. In the evening, Lawa-Christos washed the tired guests' feet, and his wife brought them their dinner. They took care of strangers as if they were family.

One day, some monks who prayed a great deal wondered who was truly working hardest for God. A voice came from heaven and said that even those good monks had not worked as hard for God as Lawa-Christos and his wife! When the monks visited the couple, they were amazed at how much love and kindness this husband and wife shared every single day. They show us that helping others is a beautiful way to love God.

Your fight hath not been as great as that of Lawa-Christos and his wife.— a voice from heaven

The Feast of the Angel Urael

Today is also a feast for the angel Urael (say it: OO-rah-el). Angels are God's bright, loving helpers who live in heaven and do whatever God asks. Urael is one of God's special angels.

Angels watch over us and carry God's messages. They love God and they care about people too. On his feast day, we say a happy greeting to Urael and ask him to pray for us. It is good to know that God sends His angels to look after us.

Abuna Betselote Mikael

We also remember a holy church father named Abuna Betselote Mikael (say it: bet-se-LOH-te mee-kah-EL). 'Abuna' is a kind word that means 'our father,' which is how people lovingly called their church leaders.

Abuna Betselote Mikael served God faithfully and helped God's people. We are thankful for him today and we say a glad greeting in his honor.

Yoranos, Who Was at the Cross

Last of all, today we remember a soldier named Yoranos (say it: yo-RAH-nos). He was there on the day Jesus was on the Cross. Even though that day was sad, it was also the day Jesus showed His great love by saving the whole world.

Yoranos saw what happened that day. We remember him today because he was a witness, someone who saw with his own eyes how much Jesus loves us. And we know the good news: three days later, Jesus rose again, alive and full of joy forever!