Miyazya 16 — April 24

Saint Antibas, the Faithful Shepherd

Today we remember a holy man named Saint Antibas (you can say it AN-tee-bas). He was the bishop of a city called Pergamus, which means he was the church leader who watched over God's people there. When Antibas was young, he studied with Saint John, one of Jesus' closest friends and the one who wrote part of the Bible. From John he learned to love Jesus with his whole heart and to tell everyone the good news about God.

In those days there was a king who was afraid. He had heard that the Christians said Jesus was their true King. The Christians told the king the truth kindly: Jesus' kingdom is in heaven, and one day He will come again and make everything right. When the king heard this, he stopped being afraid. He let the Christians go free and told his people to treat them with honor.

Antibas loved God so much that he kept teaching about Jesus, even when others told him to stop. He stayed strong and brave. While he was held away from his people, God sent angels to him with a message from his teacher, Saint John. The angels comforted him. They called him a faithful priest and a good shepherd, and they promised he would be remembered with the holy apostles forever.

Antibas prayed a beautiful prayer. He asked God to heal anyone, in body and in heart, who would remember his name and thank God for him. Then Antibas went home to be with God. Christians who loved him carried him gently to a church with singing and music. People say a sweet smell, like perfume, still rises from his resting place, and it brings comfort to all who come in faith.

Jesus' kingdom is a heavenly kingdom; one day He will come again and make everything right.

Antibas, you are a faithful priest and a good shepherd; you will be remembered with the holy apostles forever.— the angels' words

Saba, Who Stayed True to God

We also remember a holy person named Saba (you can say it SAH-bah). Saba loved God very much and would not turn away from Him, no matter what.

Saba is called a martyr, because Saba stayed faithful to Jesus even when that faith cost everything. So brave, and never giving up. We believe Saba is now happy and safe with God in heaven, where there is no more sadness at all.

When we remember Saba, we can ask God to help us be brave and loving too, in the big things and the little things of every day.