Meskerem 23 — October 03

Eunabius and Andreas, the Two Best Friends

Long ago, in a city called Zalda, two boys named Eunabius (say it EW-na-bee-us) and Andreas grew up together. Their fathers were leaders in the city. From the time they were little, the two boys were best friends, and they always helped each other choose what was good and kind.

When they were older, they went to live in a monastery, a quiet home where people pray to God together. There they learned from a wise and holy teacher named Abba Macarius. They listened to him carefully and did what he asked. For three years they prayed every day and every night, with love in their hearts and gentle, humble ways.

People everywhere heard how good and prayerful these two friends were. So the people chose Eunabius to be a bishop and Andreas to be a priest, two kinds of church leader who care for God's people. The two friends watched over everyone with great love, like shepherds caring for sheep.

One day a powerful ruler told them to stop loving Jesus. They would not stop, because Jesus was their best friend of all. They stayed faithful to God to the very end, and they went home to heaven together, just as they had done everything together on earth. God gave them a beautiful welcome and a crown of joy.

From the time they were little, they were friends who always helped each other choose what was good.

Eustathius and His Loving Family

This day belongs to a man named Eustathius (say it yoo-STAY-thee-us) as well, together with his wife and his son. One day, long before he loved God, Eustathius was out in the woods. He saw a beautiful deer called a stag, with tall branching horns.

Then, right between the stag's horns, he saw a shining sign of our Lord Jesus Christ. That moment helped Eustathius believe in God. After that, he, his wife, and his son all loved Jesus together as a happy family.

Even when hard times came, this family stayed close to God and close to each other. They trusted that God was always taking care of them, and one day they all went home to heaven together.

Eustathius saw a shining sign of our Lord Jesus Christ between the horns of a stag.

Thecla, the Brave Friend of Christ

We also remember Thecla (say it THECK-la), a young woman who loved Jesus with her whole heart. She is called a "bride of Christ," which is a special way of saying she gave her whole life to God and belonged to Him.

Thecla was very brave. When people told her to stop following Jesus, she would not. She kept her promise to God no matter what, and she trusted Him to keep her safe. God was always with her, and she is remembered as one of His dearest friends.

Gregory the Wonder-Worker and the Forty-Four Friends of God

Today we celebrate Gregory, a teacher people called "the Wonder-Worker." God answered his prayers by healing the sick and helping people in trouble. Gregory taught many people about God's love, and they listened and believed.

Forty-four people who stayed faithful to God together are also remembered now. Even when it was hard, they helped each other be brave, just like the two friends Eunabius and Andreas. It is a happy thing to follow God side by side with others.

Three more friends of God belong to this day too: 'Ensina, Belina, and Abba Selama. Abba Selama is called "the lamp of the world," because he helped so many people see God's light, the way a lamp helps us see in the dark. ("Abba" is a kind word that means "father.")

Abba Selama was called the lamp of the world, because he helped people see God's light.