Megabit 12 — March 21

The Archangel Michael and the Talking Donkey

Today is a happy feast day for the Archangel Michael, a very great and important angel. Every month we remember how God sends Michael to watch over His people and to help them.

Long ago, there was a man named Balaam (say it BAY-lam). A king named Balak wanted Balaam to say bad words, called a curse, against God's people, the Israelites. But God did not want that to happen. He loved His people and wanted them to be blessed instead.

So God sent the Archangel Michael to stop Balaam on the road. Balaam was riding a donkey, and the donkey could see the bright angel standing in the way, even though Balaam could not see him yet. Then God did something no one expected. He let the little donkey speak right out loud, with a human voice, to warn Balaam.

When Balaam finally saw the angel, he was filled with wonder. He understood that God was in charge, not the king. So instead of bad words, Balaam spoke kind and good ones. God turned the curse into a blessing. This shows us that God is always stronger, and that He takes good care of the people He loves.

God turned his cursing into blessing.

Saint Demetrius and the Fire That Did Not Burn

Saint Demetrius (say it deh-MEE-tree-us) was a good and holy man who became the archbishop of the great city of Alexandria, the leader who watches over many churches.

Before he died, the old archbishop named Julianus had a dream. An angel told him that the next archbishop would be the man who came the next morning carrying a bunch of grapes. And the very next day, Demetrius arrived with grapes in his hands, just as the angel had said. So the people chose him to be their new archbishop.

But some people began to whisper unkind things about Demetrius, because he was married, and that was unusual for an archbishop. The whispering troubled them. An angel told Demetrius it was time to show the people the truth, so they would stop doubting and have peace in their hearts.

So Demetrius did something no one could explain. He prayed, then held glowing fire in his bare hand and in his cloth, and asked his wife to hold some too. They prayed for a long time, and the fire did not burn them or their clothes at all. Everyone stared in wonder.

Then Demetrius told them his secret. He and his wife had lived together for many, many years like a brother and sister, loving God with all their hearts, while an angel of God covered them with his wings each night. The people were sorry for their unkind words, and Demetrius gently forgave them. He told them not to be sad, and he blessed them and sent them home in peace, all praising God together.

This hath not happened through you, but through Satan, the hater of every good thing.— Saint Demetrius, forgiving the people

Saint Malazi, the Brave Friend of God

Today we also remember Saint Malazi, who came from a town called Felte'em. Malazi loved Jesus so much that he stayed faithful to God no matter what.

Some people did not want him to follow Jesus, and they hurt him for it. Malazi gave even his life rather than stop loving God, and so we call him a martyr. But he was not afraid, because he knew God was waiting to welcome him home to heaven, where there is no more sadness, only joy with God forever.

A Sweet Salutation

The Synaxarium also sings a short greeting today, remembering Joseph, who was kept safe and made new again. It reminds us that God watches over His friends with love. And so, with thankful hearts, we praise Him for all the good He has done.