Miyazya 15 — April 23

A New Church for Saint Nicolas

Today is a happy day! Long ago, Christians in the land of Egypt finished building a brand-new church. To consecrate a church means to set it apart as a special, holy place where people come to pray and to love God together.

They gave this church a special name. They named it after Saint Nicolas, a kind bishop who watched over many churches. Saint Nicolas lived in a city called Mira, far away.

Saint Nicolas was very brave. He told everyone that Jesus is God, even when an unkind ruler did not want him to. He was also one of the famous group of three hundred and eighteen church fathers who came together long ago in a city called Nicea. They met to agree on the truth about God, so all the churches would teach the same good news.

God loved Saint Nicolas and kept him safe for a long, long time, letting him live until he could join that big, important meeting of holy fathers. And do you know what else? God helped Saint Nicolas heal the sick and rescue people in trouble, doing so much good that people all over the world still tell stories about him today. We say a glad hello and thank-you to Saint Nicolas!

Agabos, the Prophet Who Listened to God

Today we also remember Saint Agabos (you can say it AG-a-bos). He was an apostle, one of Jesus' special helpers who went out to teach people about God.

Agabos had a special gift from God. He was a prophet, which means God let him know about things before they happened. You can read about Agabos in the Bible, in the book called the Acts of the Apostles.

One time, Agabos told everyone that a great famine was coming. A famine is a time when there is not enough food to eat. Because Agabos warned them, people could get ready ahead of time. Just as he said, the famine came in the days of a ruler named Claudius. God's word through Agabos came true.

Agabos also told his friend, the apostle Paul, that hard times were coming for him. But Paul was not afraid, because Paul trusted God. Friends who tell us the truth, even when it is hard to hear, are a gift. We say a glad hello to Agabos, who always listened to God and shared what God told him.

Agabos was a prophet — someone God helped to know about things before they happened — and everything God told him came true.

Remembering John the Baptist

Today we remember Saint John the Baptist. John was a very special man who came before Jesus to help people get their hearts ready for Him. John baptized people in the river and told them to turn toward God.

When John's life on earth was over, the part of John that lives forever did not stay still. For many years, his holy spirit traveled high and free, carried in God's care.

We do not need to be sad. John finished the good work God gave him to do, and now he is home with God, happy and safe forever. We say a glad hello to John the Baptist, God's faithful messenger.

Alexandra, the Queen Who Chose Jesus

Long ago there was a queen named Alexandra. She was married to a king named Dudianus. The king thought he believed in God, but he really did not understand yet.

One day the brave Saint George came to the palace. Saint George loved Jesus with his whole heart. He sat with Queen Alexandra and read to her from the Psalms of David, the songs and prayers in the Bible. The queen wanted to understand them, so Saint George explained what they meant. He told her the truth that Jesus Christ is truly God.

Queen Alexandra listened, and the words went straight into her heart. She believed in the Lord Jesus, and she was filled with joy. Saint George also showed the king that idols, the statues people prayed to instead of God, have no power at all. Only God is strong and mighty.

When the king saw that Alexandra now loved Jesus, he was angry and would not change his own heart. Alexandra was very brave. She had told him before, 'Their God is strong and powerful. Do not fight against Him.' The king's helpers hurt Queen Alexandra because she would not stop loving Jesus, and she gave her life rather than turn away from God, dying as a martyr. But she was not afraid, because she knew Jesus was waiting to give her a beautiful crown in heaven. We also say a glad hello to her brave friend, Saint Abib.

Their God is strong and powerful — do not fight against Him.— Queen Alexandra