Miyazya 20 — April 28

Babnuda and the Palm Tree of Dates

Today we remember a brave man named Babnuda (say it BAB-noo-da). He lived in a city in Egypt called Dandara. Babnuda was a priest, and he was an anchorite too: he lived all alone in a quiet little room so he could pray to God all day long. He loved God with his whole heart.

One day an angel of the Lord came to Babnuda and said, "Put on your priestly robes, come down from your little room, and go stand before the governor." A governor is a ruler who is in charge of a city. This governor did not love Jesus, and he was looking for Babnuda. But brave Babnuda did not hide. He walked right up to the governor and said in a loud, clear voice that he believed in Jesus.

The governor was unkind to Babnuda and locked him in a dark room. But Babnuda was not alone! A beautiful heavenly light shone all around him, and the angel of the Lord came again, took away all his hurts, and comforted him. God was right there with him the whole time.

A kind family in that city listened to Babnuda teach about Jesus: a man named Carolus, his wife, his daughter, and twelve young women. He made their hearts strong and brave, and they stayed faithful to God to the very end and gave their lives for Him as martyrs.

Then something surprising happened. The cruel governor had Babnuda hung on a tall palm tree. Right away that palm tree burst into life and grew twelve big bunches of sweet dates. People still tell about that gift from God today. After this, Babnuda finished his life faithful to God and went home to heaven to receive his crown.

I am a Christian, and I believe in my Lord Jesus Christ.— Babnuda, speaking bravely before the governor

Salutation to Babnuda, who made the palm to yield fruit.

Saint Ammoni

We also remember a holy saint named Ammoni (say it AM-mo-nee). The Church keeps his name dear and honors him on this day, together with Babnuda and his faithful friends. We thank God for all the saints who loved Him so much, and we ask them to pray for us.