Miyazya 1 — April 09

Abba Sylvanus, Who Loved to Work and Pray

When Abba Sylvanus (say it SIL-va-nus) was still a young man, he went to live in the desert as a monk, spending his days quietly praying and serving God. His teacher was a wise old man named Saint Abba Macarius.

Sylvanus loved to pray. He also loved to work with his hands. He told the friends who lived with him to work hard every day, and then give away whatever money they did not need to people who had none.

One day a lazy monk came to visit. When he saw everyone working, he frowned and said, "You should not work for food. You should only pray!" So Abba Sylvanus gently handed him a book and a quiet room. He gave him no chores. He also gave him no supper. By evening the poor man's tummy was rumbling! Then he understood, and he laughed: praying is good, and working with our hands is good too. The two belong together, like best friends.

When Abba Sylvanus grew old, God let him know it was almost time to come home to heaven. He hugged his friends, asked them to keep him in their prayers, and fell asleep in peace. The Synaxarium calls him a companion of the angels.

We have need of work, just as Martha worked, and through Martha, Mary was praised.— Abba Sylvanus

God Protects the Monasteries of Scete

On this day, some men came to the desert of Scete (say SKEE-tee), where many monks lived and prayed. The men began taking things that were not theirs, from the monasteries and even from the church of Saint Abba Macarius.

The monks did not know what to do. So they did the very best thing: they gathered together to pray, and they asked the holy fathers to pray alongside them.

And God answered. Our Lord Jesus Christ sent the men away, and off they hurried, never to come back. The monks knew it was God who had kept them safe, and they thanked Him with happy hearts.

What a comfort that is to remember. When we are scared or in trouble, we can always pray, and God hears us and takes care of us.

Aaron the Priest, Brother of Moses

We also remember Aaron (say AIR-on) today, a good man from long, long ago in the Bible. He was the big brother of Moses, the prophet who carried God's words to the people, and he was Miriam's brother too.

Aaron stood beside Moses and helped him lead God's people out of Egypt, where they had been slaves. Along the way, God did mighty things through Aaron's hands, like turning his walking stick into a snake before Pharaoh.

Then God chose Aaron and his sons for a special job: to be His priests, serving in the holy place and praying for the people. God gave them that calling Himself.

All his life, Aaron loved God and kept His good rules. When his days were finished, he went home to be with God. We thank God for Aaron, who helped his brother and served the Lord faithfully.

Saint Matrona and Saint Justus and His Wife

Today we also remember three brave friends of God: Saint Matrona, Saint Justus, and his wife. They gave up their lives rather than give up their faith, and so we call them martyrs.

They loved Jesus so much that they would never stop trusting Him, no matter what. They were not afraid, because they knew they were going home to God, to a place where there is no more sadness and every tear is wiped away.

We can thank God for how brave they were, and ask Him to help us be faithful and kind, just like them.

Blessed are those who are faithful to God, for they shall live with Him forever.