Megabit 7 — March 16

Philemon and Apollonius, Two Brave Friends

Long ago there were two good friends named Philemon (say it: FIL-eh-mon) and Apollonius (say it: ap-oh-LOH-nee-us). Philemon was a singer, and Apollonius was a musician who played beautiful music. They worked for a powerful leader called a governor, who is like a king's helper put in charge of a city.

Both friends loved Jesus very much, and they wanted to be brave and tell everyone about Him. So Philemon stood up in front of the governor and said, out loud and unafraid, that he believed in our Lord Jesus Christ. Then Apollonius did the very same thing!

The governor was not happy, and he was unkind to the two friends. But Philemon and Apollonius were not afraid, because they knew that loving Jesus is the most important thing of all. They stayed faithful to God right to the very end, giving their lives rather than letting go of Him. They went home to be with God, who gave them a beautiful crown in heaven, like winners of a great race.

Their story reminds us that friends can help each other be brave and follow God together.

The two friends finished their race together and received the crown of life.

The Emperor Theodosius

We also remember a kind ruler named Theodosius (say it: thee-oh-DOH-shus). He was an emperor, a great king who ruled over many, many people and cities.

Theodosius loved God and tried to help the Church. After his life of ruling and serving, he died and went to rest with God. We remember him today and thank God for leaders who try to do what is right.

Saint Theodotus, Who Was Not Afraid

Saint Theodotus (say it: thee-oh-DOH-tus) came from a faraway land called Galatia. From the time he was small, he grew up loving God and learning to pray. He lived what is called the ascetic life, a simple life where you give up treats so you can spend more time praying and being close to God.

Some people told the governor that Theodotus was a Christian. The governor sent word that Theodotus should be brought to him. But Theodotus was so brave that he did not wait to be taken. He walked right up to the governor all by himself! He told the governor that the idols, which are only stone and wood made to look like gods, were not real, and that only the one true God is worth loving.

The governor tried to scare Theodotus into stopping, but Theodotus would not stop loving Jesus. He stayed faithful to the end and gave his life for God, going home to Him with great joy. His heart was so full of God's love that he was not even a little bit afraid.

Before he went home to heaven, Theodotus thanked God with a happy prayer. He even told the soldiers that he did not need a cloth over his eyes, because he was not scared at all. He trusted Jesus completely.

I thank You, O my Lord Jesus Christ, for keeping me safe and lifting me up.— Saint Theodotus

A cloth to cover the eyes is for those who fear, but through the name of my Lord Jesus Christ I am not afraid.— Saint Theodotus