Hidar 28 — December 07

Saint Sarapamon, the Brave Bishop

Long ago in the city of Jerusalem, a boy was born and named Simon. His family loved God. When Simon grew up, he wanted to learn all about Jesus and become a Christian.

An angel from God came to help him! The angel told him to go and find a wise teacher. After a long journey, a kind archbishop named Abba Theonas taught him about Jesus and baptized him, washing him with water to welcome him into God's family. From then on, Simon was given a new name: Sarapamon (say it: sah-rah-PAH-mon).

Sarapamon went to live in a monastery, a quiet home where people pray together. He loved God so much that the church leaders made him a bishop, a leader who takes care of many churches. The people were so happy to have him, and God answered his prayers in surprising ways.

Near his city, some people prayed to idols, statues that are not the real, living God. Sarapamon asked God to take the idols away, and God did. He helped the people learn the truth: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are one God.

A king named Diocletian did not love God, and he was angry that Sarapamon taught people to follow Jesus. The king tried to hurt Sarapamon, but Jesus kept him safe and well, with no hurt at all. When people saw this, many of them began to believe in God too! Sarapamon stayed faithful to the very last and gave his life for his Lord. He was not afraid, because he knew he was going home to heaven. The people carried him to the church with great love, and God kept doing miracles there.

Salutation to Sarapamon, before whom even the lions bowed when they saw his face, which was like the face of the Creator.

Abba Likanos, the Praying Father

We also remember a holy man named Abba Likanos (say it: lee-KAH-nos). He was a priest who lived in a monastery in the country of Ethiopia.

Abba Likanos spent his days praying and working hard to love God with all his heart. People remembered a wonderful thing about him: when he prayed, light seemed to shine from him, as if his fingers held bright, glowing lamps. It was a beautiful sign that God's light was shining in this gentle man.

Salutation to Abba Likanos, from whose fingers burning lamps shone forth.

Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob

We also say hello to three great friends of God from long, long ago: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. We read about them in the Bible.

Abraham trusted God and always believed His promises. Isaac was a gentle and faithful son. And Jacob once poured oil on a stone to show that the place where he met God was special and holy.

The Bible tells us these three are happy and safe with God forever. People who love God rest with them, like sweet dates growing on a palm tree and clusters of grapes ripening on the vine. It is a lovely picture of how good it is to be near God.