Hamle 26 — August 02

Joseph the Carpenter

Today we remember a good and gentle man named Joseph. Joseph was a carpenter, which means he made things out of wood with his own hands. He was the husband of Saint Mary, the mother of Jesus, and he loved and cared for her and for the child Jesus like a kind father.

The Bible tells us that Joseph was a righteous man, someone who does what is right and loves God with all his heart. Because Joseph was so good, Mary was safe and looked after while she was with him.

Joseph took care of his little family on many journeys. He went with Mary and Jesus to a town called Bethlehem. Later, to keep the baby Jesus safe, he led them all the way to a country called Egypt, far away. And when the danger had passed, Joseph brought them home again. Through every long trip, he watched over them with love.

Joseph lived to be very, very old. When it was time for him to go home to God, his children gathered close, and he hugged them and gave them kind words. Then something beautiful happened: Jesus Himself came to Joseph. Jesus laid His hand gently on Joseph's eyes and was sad to see His dear friend go. Joseph gave his soul to God and began to live forever in heaven.

Joseph was a righteous man, and because of this our Lady Saint Mary was in safe keeping with him.

Abba Timothy, the Kind Archbishop

We also remember a holy church father named Abba Timothy. He was an archbishop in the great city of Alexandria, a leader who watches over many churches and many people. He was the brother of another good archbishop named Peter.

Abba Timothy watched over God's people like a shepherd watches over his sheep, keeping them safe and close to God. He was very wise. At a big meeting called a council, where many church leaders came together to talk about God, Abba Timothy helped everyone understand the true and right way to believe.

He loved to build and to teach. He built many beautiful churches in the city and outside it, and he fixed up old ones too. He also made cozy little rooms where travelers could rest. And with his gentle voice he taught his people about God every day, helping them grow strong in their faith. After many good years, Abba Timothy died in peace, happy that he had served God well.

Abba Selama, Who Brought the Light to Ethiopia

Today is a very special day for Ethiopia! We remember Abba Selama, who is also called Frumentius (you can say it like fru-MEN-shus). He is called the Revealer of the Light, because he helped the people of Ethiopia first learn about Jesus.

When Frumentius was a young boy, he traveled by ship with his teacher and another boy to see the beautiful land of Ethiopia. But on the journey something sad happened, and the two boys were left alone in a faraway place. The people of the city brought the boys to their king, and the king liked them very much. He gave Frumentius an important job taking care of the king's books and papers.

Frumentius and his friend did not forget God. Quietly and kindly, they taught the children about Jesus, and they built a little place where people could come to pray and sing. More and more people in Ethiopia began to love God.

When Frumentius grew up, he traveled to Alexandria to meet a great church father named Athanasius. He told Athanasius the happy news: the people of Ethiopia believed in Jesus, but they had no bishop to lead them yet. So Athanasius made Frumentius a bishop and sent him back with great honor. Frumentius returned to Ethiopia and shared the peace of Jesus everywhere he went. That is why the people called him Abba Selama, which means a name of peace. After greeting his beloved people, he died in peace, and we still thank God for him with joyful voices.

Salutation, salutation, I say, with joyful voice to Abba Selama.

Abba Roys, Samuel, and Zacharias

We also remember a blessed saint named Abba Roys. He was a holy man who loved God, and the Church keeps his memory with great love today.

We also send a warm greeting to two more of God's faithful friends, Samuel and Zacharias. We thank God for all of these saints, who showed us how to live with kind hearts and to keep close to God every day.