Hamle 28 — August 04

Andronicus and Athanasia, the Lovers of God

Long ago, in a city called Antioch, there lived a husband and wife named Andronicus (say it: an-DRON-i-cus) and Athanasia (say it: ath-a-NAY-zha). They were very rich, with lots of gold and silver. But they did not keep it all for themselves. They gave half of everything they earned to people who were poor.

God gave them two children, a boy named John and a girl named Mary. Andronicus and Athanasia loved God so much that they decided to spend their lives helping others. He took care of sick men, and she took care of sick women. They did this kind work for twelve years.

Then a sad thing happened. Their two children became very sick, and both of them went home to be with God. The mother and father were so sad they could hardly bear it. Andronicus knelt before a picture of Jesus and prayed, trusting God even in his sorrow.

One night, Athanasia was crying near where her children rested. In her sleep she saw what looked like a monk, a man who gives his whole life to praying. He spoke gentle words to comfort her, telling her that her children were happy and safe with God in heaven. That gave her peace.

After this, the two of them gave away all their money to people in need. They each went to live quiet lives of prayer. Athanasia even dressed like a monk and lived among the praying men, and for many years no one knew she was a woman. They both served God faithfully until, one after the other, they went home to heaven. We say: Salutation to Andronicus and to Athanasia!

Weep not for your children, for they are rejoicing in the kingdom of the heavens.

The Elders of Israel and Meskel Kibra

Today we also send our greetings to three great fathers from long, long ago in the Bible: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They are called the elders of Israel because they trusted God and God made a big family from them. We say: Salutation to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob!

We also remember a holy woman named Meskel Kibra, and we send our greeting to her too. Remembering good people who loved God helps us want to love God as well.

Abba Philip of Debre Libanos

On this day we also remember a kind and holy man named Abba Philip. He was the father, or leader, of a famous group of praying men at a place called Debre Libanos.

When Abba Philip was young, he traveled into the quiet desert to meet a very holy teacher named Abuna Takla Haymanot (say it: TAK-la hay-MA-not). The teacher was so happy to see him, and God showed him that Philip would do great things one day. After Philip learned and prayed for a long time, he was given the special clothes of a monk.

Philip worked hard for God, just like his teacher. With God's help, wonderful and surprising things happened around him. When his teacher Takla Haymanot went home to God, Philip was chosen to take his place and lead the others.

Abba Philip was a good and fair leader. He always tried to do what was right, even when it was hard and some people were unkind to him for it. He never stopped following God. At the end of his life he went home to heaven, carrying the crown that God gives to faithful friends. We say: Salutation to Philip!

He followed a right course, like his father, and never stopped doing what was right for God.