Miyazya 18 — April 26

Eusebius, the Faithful Helper

Today we remember a kind man named Eusebius (you can say it "yoo-SEE-bee-us"). He worked as a helper in the house of a good man called Saint Susenyos. Even while he was busy with his work, Eusebius loved Jesus with his whole heart, and he prayed to Him every day.

In those days there was a ruler named Diocletian (say "dye-oh-KLEE-shun") who did not believe in the true God. He wanted everyone to bow down to idols, statues of stone and wood that cannot see or hear or help anyone at all. When the ruler heard that Eusebius loved Jesus, he called him to come and asked him about his faith.

Eusebius was not afraid. He stood up tall and told the ruler the truth: that Jesus Christ is the real God who made the whole world. The ruler tried hard to talk him out of it, but Eusebius would not change his mind. He gently reminded the ruler that the true God is the one we should love.

Cruel people hurt Eusebius because he would not stop loving Jesus, and he gave his life for his faith. He became a martyr, staying true to God right to the end. Eusebius was not afraid, because he knew he was going home to live with God forever. We send our greeting to Eusebius, the faithful helper.

Jesus Christ is the real God, who made the whole world.— what brave Eusebius said

Abba Peter and His Brother Abba Ebsoy

Next we remember Abba Peter, a holy man with a kind and gentle face. (The word Abba means "father," a loving name the Church gives to a holy person.) When Peter was a baby, his aunt took care of him and raised him together with her own son, Abba Ebsoy (say "EB-soy"). The two boys grew up like brothers.

When Peter was seven years old, maybe just a little younger than you, he went to a teacher and learned all about God and the Church. Peter and Ebsoy loved to pray together and to do good things. God was so pleased with them that He sent the angel Gabriel to visit them. Gabriel told them that one day they would be brave heroes for Jesus.

Later, some people who did not understand told the ruler that Peter and Ebsoy loved Jesus. The ruler wanted them to bow down to idols, but the two friends said no, because they only worship the one true God. When Peter felt weak and tired, God sent an angel who made him feel strong and well again. God was taking care of him the whole time.

Peter stayed faithful to God to the very end, and he gave his life for Jesus, just as a martyr does. But here is the most beautiful part. While Ebsoy was far away, God's angel carried him through the air to see his brother one last time. The two friends hugged and prayed together. Then a voice came from heaven with a loving promise.

Afterward, Ebsoy lovingly took care of his brother and laid him to rest in a safe, secret place. Peter is now happy forever with God in heaven. We send our greeting to Peter, the saint with the kind and gentle face.

Peace be unto you, brave ones, for you shall be among the company of heaven.— a voice from heaven