Hidar 4 — November 13

Epimachus and Azarianus, Two Brave Friends

Long ago in the great city of Rome lived two friends named Epimachus (say it: eh-PIM-a-kus) and Azarianus (say it: ah-zah-ree-AH-nus). They loved Jesus very much.

In those days, the ruler of the land did not love God. Some people told him that these two friends were Christians, and he called them to come and stand before him. He asked them about their faith. They were not scared at all. They said proudly, "Yes, we love Jesus, and we follow Him!"

Then they told the ruler something brave. They said it was sad that he prayed to statues made by people's hands, statues that cannot see or hear or help anyone. They told him about the one true God who made the sky, the earth, and everything in it.

The ruler was surprised at how bold they were. He hurt them because they would not stop loving Jesus, and they gave their lives rather than turn away from Him. They were not afraid, because they knew they were going home to be with God forever. In heaven they were given shining crowns, the way a king gives a prize to his bravest helpers.

Yes, we love Jesus, and we follow Him!

James and John, the Faithful Bishops of Persia

In a faraway country called Persia lived two bishops named James and John. As bishops, they were leaders who cared for God's churches, good shepherds who loved their people.

The king of that land told them to bow down and pray to the sun, the moon, and to fire. But James and John knew that none of those things made the world. God did. So they gently said no. They would only worship the one true God.

The king's helpers were unkind to them and made them suffer. But even then, James and John kept smiling and teaching the people standing around them. They told everyone, "Keep trusting Jesus! Be strong!" Their brave hearts helped many people stay close to God.

The king saw how patient they were, and that nothing could make them stop loving Jesus. He could not change their minds. James and John gave their lives for God. They went straight to heaven, where Jesus welcomed them with all the saints and gave them their crowns. What a happy homecoming!

Keep trusting Jesus! Be strong!

Thomas, the Wise Bishop of Damascus

Saint Thomas was a bishop in a city called Damascus, in the land of Syria. He was very wise and knew a great deal about God.

One day Thomas had a friendly talk with a very learned man who believed differently than he did. They took turns sharing what they believed. With kind and careful words, Thomas helped the man understand a deep truth: that Jesus Christ is truly God, the One who made the heavens, the earth, and everything in them.

The learned man did not like losing the talk, so he went to the ruler and told a story that was not true. He said Thomas had said bad things about his religion. The ruler called Thomas and asked him, "Is this true?"

Thomas answered honestly and bravely. He said he had never spoken a curse against anyone. He had only shared the truth that Jesus is God, and that there is no greater teaching than the teaching of Jesus.

The ruler was angry that Thomas would not back down, and Thomas gave his life for telling the truth about Jesus. He was not afraid, because he knew he would live with God forever in heaven, wearing the shining crown God gives to His brave friends.

I have only said that Christ is God in truth, and that after the teaching of Christ there comes no greater teaching.— Saint Thomas of Damascus

Zachariah, the Great Father and Teacher

We also remember a great father of the Church named Zachariah (say it: za-ka-RY-ah). He was a teacher who helped many people learn about God and grow strong in their faith.

Zachariah was a good friend and helper of Saint Thomas, the bishop of Damascus. Wise teachers like Zachariah are a gift, because they share what they know about God so that boys and girls and grown-ups can love Him more. We thank God for kind teachers who point us toward heaven.

Abba 'Abaydo and Abba John, the Quiet Monks

On this day we remember a holy monk named Abba 'Abaydo (say it: ah-BY-do), a man who gave his days to quiet prayer. He never chased after riches or fancy things in this world. He gave his whole heart to God and spent his time praying and doing good.

He had a faithful helper, his disciple Abba John, a student who learned from him and prayed at his side. Together they showed everyone that a simple life close to God is a happy and beautiful life. We thank God for these two gentle friends who loved Him so much.

Peter, the Loving Archbishop of Alexandria

We also remember Peter, the archbishop of the great city of Alexandria. An archbishop is a leader who watches over many churches at once.

Peter cared for God's people with a loving heart, like a good shepherd who watches over his sheep. Along with a brave group of God's friends who are remembered today, he stayed faithful to Jesus his whole life. We thank God for shepherds like Peter who help us stay close to Him.