Hamle 22 — July 29

Saint Macarius, the Brave Young Man

Macarius (say it like ma-CARE-ee-us) was the son of a good soldier named Basilides. A king who did not love God wanted everyone to bow down to idols, the statues that people prayed to instead of praying to God. But Macarius said no. He would worship only the one true God.

Before Macarius left home, he hugged his mother and father and asked them to keep taking care of poor people who needed help. On his journey, Jesus came to him in a dream and gave him courage. That made Macarius strong and unafraid.

Mean leaders tried hard to make Macarius change his mind, but he gently kept saying no. They were unkind to him, yet God kept him safe and gave him peace. God even let Macarius see a beautiful glimpse of heaven, where his own father and brother were waiting happily.

God showed His power through Macarius. One day some sad people walked by carrying a man who had died. Macarius prayed to Jesus, and the man woke up alive again! He sat up and told everyone, "Christ is the Lord of everyone!" Many people heard this and chose to love Jesus too.

After a long, brave life of trusting God, Macarius went home to heaven. Later, a kind leader found his resting place, and people built a church there. God healed and helped many who came to pray in that church.

Christ is the Lord of everyone!— the man God brought back to life

Saint Leontius, the Lamp of Trablos

Leontius (say it like lee-ON-tee-us) came from a city called Trablos. His father taught him to love God, and Leontius grew up kind and good. He loved the Bible so much that he learned many parts of it by heart, especially the Psalms, the beautiful songs to God that King David wrote long ago. He could say them out loud anytime, like a song he knew perfectly.

Leontius was a soldier, and he cared about his friends. He told them about Jesus and helped them stop worshipping idols. "Don't waste your years bowing to statues," he would say warmly. Many of his friends listened and began to love God.

Some people did not like this, so they told the leader. The leader asked Leontius if he really taught that Jesus is God. Leontius was not afraid. He said yes, and he even told the leader, "If you turn to Jesus and worship Him, you will live with God forever." He wanted everyone, even the leader, to be happy in heaven.

The leader was not kind to Leontius, but all the while Leontius sang praises to God and stayed full of joy. He trusted God right to the very end and went home to heaven, staying faithful even when it cost him his life, which is what we mean when we call someone a martyr. A kind woman who loved God carefully wrapped him in fine cloth, painted his picture, and kept a little lamp burning beside him. That is why he is called the lamp of Trablos.

Who shall separate me from the love of Christ my God, Whom I have served and worshipped from my youth up?— Romans 8:35

Saint Markolos (Marcellus)

Today we also remember Saint Markolos, who is also called Marcellus (say it like mar-SELL-us). He was a holy friend of God whom the Church loves to remember on this day. We thank God for him and ask him to pray for us all.

Saint Longinus

We also greet Saint Longinus (say it like lon-JY-nus) on this day. He is one of the brave saints the Church honors today. We say hello to him with love, and we ask this good friend of God to pray for us.