Hidar 17 — November 26

John the Mouth of Gold Comes Home

Today we remember a teacher named John. People loved his words so much that they called him "the Mouth of Gold," which is what the word "Chrysostom" means. John was an archbishop. That is a church leader who watches over many churches at once. He lived in a big city called Constantinople (say it: Con-stan-ti-NO-ple).

John was brave. There was once a poor woman whose husband had died, and the queen took away her land. John knew that was not fair. He spoke up for the woman and asked the queen to give the land back. The queen did not like being told she was wrong, so she sent John far away from home. The people who loved his teaching missed him terribly.

John spent the rest of his life in faraway places, still praying, still teaching. When he died, he went home to be with God forever.

Many years later, a kind king named Theodosius wanted to honor John. He sent helpers to bring John's body back to Constantinople. They carried it home with singing and music all the way. The people laid it gently to rest in a church built of smooth white marble, and God blessed that place and the people who came to it. Today is the happy day we remember John coming home.

Salutation to the bringing home of your body, O John the Mouth of Gold.

Abraham, Harik, and Their Child Kedus Amlak

Today we also remember a blessed family: a good man named Abraham, his wife Harik, and their child Kedus Amlak. The name Kedus Amlak means "Holy God." What a beautiful name to give a child!

This family loved God together. They prayed together and tried to live in a kind, holy way each day. When we remember them, we thank God for families who help each other grow closer to Him. We can do that too, by praying with the people we love and being kind at home.

The Faithful Friends of the Desert of Wasif

Today we remember some brave people who lived long ago in a quiet, sandy place called the desert of Wasif. They loved God with all their hearts. Wicked people tried to make them give up that love, but they would not. They stayed faithful right to the end, even when it cost them their lives. That is what makes them martyrs.

We do not need to feel sad for them. They were not afraid, because they knew God was holding them close and that heaven was waiting. When we hear about brave friends like these, we can ask God to help us be brave and faithful too.

Abba Sinoda the Abbot

Today we also remember Abba Sinoda, who was an abbot. An abbot is the father who leads a monastery, the quiet home where people live together to pray and serve God.

Abba Sinoda watched over the monks like a loving father, helping them pray, work, and live in peace. He showed everyone how to love God by living a gentle, humble life. We ask this holy father to pray for us.

Walatta Petros, the Ethiopian Woman of Prayer

Today we remember Walatta Petros, a holy woman from Ethiopia. Her name means "daughter of Peter." She loved God deeply and gave her whole life to Him.

She cared for God's people and held on to the true faith bravely, even when it was hard. She prayed and prayed, and people came to her to learn about God's love. We are glad to remember her today, and we ask her to pray for us, that we may love God the way she did.

Salutation to Walatta Petros, the Ethiopian woman who loved God.