Hidar 30 — December 09

Acacius, the Bishop Who Loved the True Faith

Acacius (say it AH-kah-see-us) was a wise and kind man who loved God very much. He was so good at reading and learning that he helped turn holy books into words other people could understand. Later he was chosen to be the archbishop, the leader who takes care of many churches, in a big city called Constantinople.

In those days the churches were sad, because people were arguing about what was true. Acacius wanted everyone to be friends again. He tried his very best to bring peace, but it was hard. So he prayed and said in his heart, "Only God can mend this. I must hold tight to what is true."

Acacius wrote a letter to another good church father, Abba Peter, who lived far away in the city of Alexandria. In the letter he wrote down the true faith about God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, just as he had learned it from the holy teachers before him. Three friendly bishops carried the letter back and forth, and everyone was filled with joy when they read it and prayed together.

Because Acacius would not change his mind about the true faith, some powerful people sent him away from his city. But he was never sad about that. He stayed strong and faithful to God right to the very end. We remember Acacius as a brave teacher who chose the truth over an easy life.

Only God can mend this. I must hold tight to what is true.

Mercurius the Martyr

We also remember a brave saint named Mercurius (say it mer-KYOO-ree-us), who gave his life rather than give up his love for God.

Mercurius loved God so much that he would not stop believing in Him, no matter what. He was not afraid, because he knew that God was always with him and that he was going home to live with God forever. We thank God for giving Mercurius such a strong and loving heart.

The Church of Cosmas and Damianus

On this day, long ago, people finished building a beautiful church to remember two loving brothers named Cosmas and Damianus, and their family. When a church is all finished and made ready for God, we call that a consecration, a special, happy day of blessing and prayer.

Cosmas and Damianus were healers who took care of sick people and never asked for any money. They helped others simply because they loved God and loved their neighbors. The new church was a place where everyone could come together to thank God and to pray. What a joyful day that must have been!

Gabra Maskal, the Good King of Ethiopia

Today we remember Gabra Maskal (say it GAB-ra MAS-kal), a king of Ethiopia who loved God with all his heart. His name means "servant of the Cross." A king is the leader of a whole country, and Gabra Maskal tried to lead his people in good and faithful ways.

He believed the true faith and was happy to follow God. The old story says he rejoiced in the power of God — which means God's strength made him glad and brave. When his life on earth was over, he passed to the city of light, which is a beautiful way of saying he went to be with God in heaven. We thank God for kings and leaders who choose to love Him.

Salutation to Gabra Maskal, who hath passed to the city of light.

Anianus the Stylite and Peter

Last of all, we remember two more faithful friends of God: Anianus (say it ah-nee-AH-nus), who came from a place called Amid, and a saint named Peter.

Anianus was a stylite. That is a very special kind of holy person who lived and prayed up high on top of a tall pillar, like a tall stone tower, so that he could pray quietly all day and night. Both Anianus and Peter loved God so much that they stayed faithful to Him their whole lives, even when it was very hard. They are remembered today as brave and gentle followers of Jesus who are now at peace and happy with God.