Hidar 26 — December 05

Pelarianus and His Sister Tatbusya

Today we remember a kind man named Pelarianus (say it: pel-uh-RYE-uh-nus) and his sister Tatbusya. Pelarianus grew up in the great city of Rome. When he was older, he married a good young woman named Kilkeya, and she loved Jesus with all her heart.

Kilkeya gently told Pelarianus about Jesus, and his heart filled up with love for God. He was baptized, washed with holy water as a sign that he now belonged to God. He was so happy that he taught his sister Tatbusya too, and she was baptized as well.

Pelarianus loved to pray, and God's angels would come to visit him like friends. They whispered to him about the hidden things of God. In those days many Christians were treated unkindly just for loving Jesus. Pelarianus and Tatbusya were very brave. They cared for the friends of God who had died, making sure each one was buried gently and with honor.

A ruler heard about them and asked them to stop following Jesus. He even promised them gifts and treasures. But they smiled and said no, because they loved God more than anything. They stayed faithful right to the end, giving their lives rather than turn away from Jesus. People standing nearby saw shining angels come to carry their souls home to heaven, full of joy. Even the ruler who had watched them was amazed, and he began to believe in Jesus too!

Salutation to Pelarianus who buried the bodies of the martyrs, and to his wife Kilkeya and his sister Tatbusya.

Gregory, the Good Bishop of Nyssa

We also remember Gregory, the bishop of a place called Nyssa (say it: NISS-uh). A bishop is a church leader who takes care of God's people and helps them learn about Jesus.

Gregory was wise and gentle. He taught people about God's love and helped them grow strong in their faith. We thank God for teachers like Gregory who help us understand the things of heaven.

The Brave Friends of Nagran and Saint Khirut

Far away there was a happy city called Nagran (say it: nuh-GRAHN), full of people who loved Jesus. A wise old man named Khirut (say it: KHEE-root) was like a father to them. He had loved and served Jesus for seventy-eight years!

A king who did not love God came near the city. He made a big promise that he would not hurt anyone. Khirut warned the people gently, "Please be careful, for I do not think this king is telling the truth." But the people opened their gates anyway.

Sadly, the king did not keep his promise. He told all the Christians they had to stop loving Jesus, or something bad would happen to them. But the people were very brave. Together they called out, "We will never stop loving Christ our God! We believe in Him, and we were baptized in His holy name." They stayed faithful, and many of them, big and small, went home to be with God as martyrs.

Wise old Khirut was not afraid either. He said this was the best day of his life, because he would soon see Jesus face to face. He blessed all the people and hugged them goodbye, and then he too went home to heaven.

But God did not forget His brave friends. A good and faithful king named Caleb ruled the land of Ethiopia. When he heard what had happened, he prayed and received a blessing from a holy man named Abba Pantaleon. Then Caleb sailed across the sea with his soldiers and stopped the cruel king for good. He rebuilt the city of Nagran and made it happy again, and he set aside a special day to remember the brave friends who had loved God so much. Everyone gave great thanks to Jesus.

We will not deny Christ our God; in Whom we have believed, and in Whose Name we have been baptized.— the people of Nagran

Salutation to the bright Stars of Nagran who have illumined all the world.

Saint Iyasus Mo'a and His Friends

Saint Iyasus Mo'a (say it: ee-YA-soos MOH-ah) was a holy man who loved to pray. He prayed so much, and so faithfully, that for forty whole years he never once lay down on his side to sleep! He kept watch and talked with God instead.

With him we remember his holy friends Gelyos, Mayen, Mekwas, and Maryales. They all gave their whole lives to loving and serving God, and now they rest happily with Him in heaven. We can ask these kind saints to pray for us too.