Megabit 6 — March 15

Saint Dioscoros, Who Came Back to Jesus

Saint Dioscoros lived in a big city called Alexandria, in the land of Egypt. He grew up loving Jesus, just like his mother and father did before him.

But one day some people talked him into leaving his faith. For a little while, Dioscoros stopped following Jesus. His heart felt sad and far away from God.

His sister, who lived far off, heard the news and was sad too. She loved her brother, so she sent him a letter to help him remember God. She wrote that she would rather hear good news about his heart than anything else in the world.

When Dioscoros read her letter, he cried. He missed Jesus so much! He prayed a long prayer and made the sign of the Cross. Then he walked out into the city and told everyone the truth: he belonged to Jesus again.

The ruler of the city asked him, "Did you not leave the Christian faith?" But Dioscoros stood tall and answered bravely. He held on to God right to the end, even though it cost him his life. Wicked people hurt him because he would not stop loving Jesus, and he went home to God in heaven. He was not afraid, because he knew Jesus was waiting for him with open arms.

I was born a Christian, I will die a Christian.— Saint Dioscoros

Saint Theodosius, the Brave Bishop

Saint Theodosius came from an island called Cyprus. He grew up to be a bishop, a kind church leader who takes care of God's people, in a place called Corinth.

In those days a ruler named Julius did not want people to follow Jesus. He told Theodosius to stop praying to God and to bow down to statues instead. But Theodosius would not. He loved Jesus with his whole heart.

Theodosius said he believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, and that he would worship only Him. Bad people hurt him to try to make him change his mind, but nothing could shake his love for God. He was as strong as a rock.

They put him in prison, and there he waited and prayed. After a long time, a good and kind emperor named Constantine became the ruler. Constantine loved God! He opened all the prison doors and set free everyone who had been locked up for believing in Jesus.

What a happy day that was! Theodosius walked out of prison, free at last. He went back home and took loving care of his church people, like a good shepherd watching over his sheep. He lived a long, peaceful life, and when he was old he died gently, resting in God.

I believe on my Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, Whom I worship.— Saint Theodosius

Anthony and Arkaladius of the Desert

We also remember two holy men named Anthony and Arkaladius. They lived far out in the quiet desert, where it is sandy and still.

They chose the desert so they could pray to God all day with nothing to bother them. They were happy there, talking to God like a friend. We thank God for these gentle desert friends, and we ask them to pray for us too.