Meskerem 5 — September 15

Saint Sophia and Her Two Daughters

Sophia was a woman who once did not know God. Her family used to pray to idols, which were only statues, not the true and living God.

One day Sophia met a bishop, a kind church leader who teaches and takes care of God's people. She listened to him and her heart filled with joy. She said, "I have believed in your God!" The bishop taught her all about Jesus, and then he washed her and her two daughters with holy water to welcome them into God's family. That washing is called baptism.

Sophia loved Jesus so much that she would not pray to idols anymore. A ruler told her she must stop following Jesus, but Sophia was brave and would not. She kept saying, "I am a Christian!" She told her daughters to be brave too, and they answered, "We are not afraid. We will follow you."

Wicked people hurt Sophia and her daughters because they loved Jesus, and the three of them died as martyrs, staying faithful to God even when it cost them their lives. But God did not leave them alone. While they were suffering, He sent His angel to watch over Sophia. They were not afraid, because they knew they were going home to God.

A kind woman gently took the three saints and laid them to rest side by side. Soon people who were sick began coming to their resting place, and God made them well again! Years later, a good king named Constantine heard their story and built a great, enormous church in their honor, so everyone would remember these brave and loving saints.

Be strong, my daughters. We are not afraid. We will follow you.— Sophia and her daughters

Saint Mamas, the Orphan Who Trusted God

Mamas (say it MAH-mas) was a little boy whose mother and father loved Jesus very much. They were kept in prison because of their faith, and that is where Mamas was born. Sadly, his mother and father died while he was very small.

A kind Christian woman found the baby and raised him as her own son. She named him Mamas, which means "orphan," because he had no mother or father of his own. But Mamas was never really alone, because God was always with him.

When Mamas grew up, some people were angry that he loved Jesus, and they tried to hurt him in many ways. But God protected Mamas again and again! When they put him in the deep sea, God saved him from the water. When they put him near a fire, God saved him from the fire. He hid safely in a cave in the desert, and gentle wild animals shared their milk with him so he would not be hungry. Even when fierce lions were let loose, God kept Mamas safe, and one lion became as calm as a friend.

In the end, brave Mamas gave his whole life for the love of Jesus and became a martyr. He received a shining crown in heaven, where he is happy with God forever.

Again and again God rescued Mamas — from the sea, from the fire, and from the lions — because God watches over those who love Him.

King Lebna Dengel of Ethiopia

We also remember Lebna Dengel (say it LEB-na DEN-gel), who ruled as a king of Ethiopia long, long ago for many years. His other name was David.

Lebna Dengel loved God and watched over his people. We remember him today and thank God for the leaders who try to follow Jesus.