Miyazya 24 — May 02

Saint Sana, the Brave Soldier

Saint Sana was a soldier, and he was the brave friend of another saint named Isidore. Sana loved Jesus with his whole heart, and nothing could change his mind.

In those days a ruler did not want anyone to talk about our Lord Jesus Christ. But Sana would not stop. He stayed faithful to God right to the end, even though it cost him his life. That is what it means to be a martyr. Sana was not afraid, because he knew he was going home to God.

Something beautiful happened next. Sana's own mother looked up and saw angels of light. They were lifting Sana's soul and carrying it gently up to heaven. She had seen the very same thing when his friend Isidore went home to God.

Kind people wrapped Sana's body with care and laid it to rest beside his dear friend Isidore, in a city called Samnud. Every year the people there hold a big, happy feast to thank God for these two faithful friends. And good things still happen for people who come to them with faith in their hearts.

His mother saw angels of light taking his soul, and carrying it up to heaven.

Abba Sanutya, the Father Who Carried the Cross

Abba Sanutya (we can say his name SHEN-oo-tee) was a holy father who loved God from the time he was very young. He became a monk, living a quiet life of prayer. He prayed and worked hard for God, and he grew kinder and wiser every year.

The people loved him so much that they chose him to lead all the churches of a great city called Alexandria. That important leader is called an archbishop.

God gave Abba Sanutya a gift for helping people. Through his prayers, sick people got well, and he comforted everyone who was sad. Once, a whole land had no rain for a long time, and the people were thirsty and afraid. Abba Sanutya told them to be patient, and then he prayed to God. That very evening soft rain began to fall. He prayed again, and the rain poured down and filled the wells and the gardens. Everyone was so happy and thanked God!

Another time, some people came to harm the quiet monasteries in the desert. Abba Sanutya did not pick up a weapon. He simply took his cross and walked out to meet them. When they saw the cross in his hand, they turned around and went away, and not one monk was hurt. God kept them all safe.

Abba Sanutya also helped people understand the truth about Jesus: that Jesus is both truly God and truly man. He wrote kind letters explaining this, and people who had been confused were so glad to learn it. He cared for the churches, helped travelers, and gave his money to the poor. After many good years, he died in peace.

He took his own cross, and went out against them, and when they saw the cross in his hand, they turned back and did no harm at all.

A Holy Place and Abba Yasdera

Long ago there was a happy day when a holy place called Dabra Sina was set apart for God. When a church or holy place is blessed for prayer, it becomes a special spot where people come to be close to God.

We remember Abba Yasdera of Sina too, a holy friend of God who lived there. We thank God for him, and for every quiet, holy place where people gather to pray.