Miyazya 11 — April 19

Saint Theodora, a Mother of Faith

Long ago in the great city of Alexandria, there lived a rich lady named Theodora. Her family had plenty of money, and she could have lived an easy life with anything she wanted. But Theodora wanted something better. She wanted to love God with her whole heart.

So Theodora made a special choice. She decided not to get married. Instead, she gave her whole life to praying and to helping people, living simply the way a nun does, with all her days set aside to serve God. She did not need fancy things to be happy. Loving God made her happy.

God blessed Theodora with a very long life, about one hundred years! That is a very, very long time. All through those years, she kept praying, and she kept being kind. People could see that God was with her.

Because she was so wise and so gentle, many people came to visit her. They asked her how to love God better, and she gave them quiet, loving advice. She was like a kind grandmother to the whole city. That is why she is remembered as a mother of faith: she helped many people grow closer to God.

She loved God so much that she gave Him her whole life, and her happiness was in prayer.

Saint John, the Bishop of Gaza

We also remember a good man named John, who was the bishop of a city called Gaza, the church leader who watched over the churches there and cared for all the people.

John loved God and worked hard to care for everyone God gave him. He served his people faithfully, like a good shepherd who looks after every sheep. Because he was kind and true, his people loved him, and God was pleased with him.

A good shepherd takes care of every one of his sheep.