Nehase 5 — August 11

Abba Abraham, the Patient Friend of God

Long ago there lived a man named Abba Abraham. The word Abba means "father," a kind name people gave to a holy man. His family was rich, and they taught him to love God when he was little.

When Abraham grew up, he wanted to spend all his time praying. So he found a small, empty house and lived there quietly, talking with God every day. He owned almost nothing, just a cup for water and a mat to sleep on, but he was happy, because he had God.

One day a bishop, who is a leader in the church, asked Abraham to help people in a faraway city who did not yet know about God. Abraham went and built a church there and prayed for them. At first the people were angry and unkind to him. But Abraham was patient and gentle, and he kept praying for them with love. After a long time, their hearts softened, and they came to love God too. They were baptized, and they grew strong and joyful in their new faith.

Abraham had a little niece named Marta, only seven years old. He raised her like a daughter and taught her to pray. When she was grown, she made some sad mistakes and ran away. Abraham did not give up on her. He searched until he found her, and he told her kindly that she could always come home and start fresh.

Marta came back, full of joy, and gave her whole life to God again. Abraham was so glad he had found her, like a shepherd who finds a lost lamb. He lived to be very old, praising God to the end.

Do not be afraid, my daughter. There is no person without mistakes except God. Come, return home with me.— Abba Abraham

Saint John the Soldier

Saint John was a soldier with a kind and secret heart. He had Christian parents, and he loved God very much.

John served in the army of a king named Julian, who did not like Christians and wanted to treat them badly. John pretended to go along with the king, but secretly he was a true friend to God's people. He warned them when danger was near, gave them whatever they needed, and helped them stay safe.

All the while, John prayed, gave gifts to people who were poor, and lived like a saint. He showed that you can be brave and good even in a hard place, by quietly doing the right thing. When his life ended, he died in peace. After he was gone, sick people who prayed at his grave were healed, and they thanked God for him.

We can do good quietly, even when no one is watching but God.

Abba Philip of Debre Bizen

We also remember Abba Philip of Debre Bizen. Debre Bizen is a famous monastery, a quiet home where people pray together.

We do not have a long story about Abba Philip written down here, but we know he was a holy man who loved God and lived a life of prayer. We say a happy hello to him in heaven and ask him to pray for us.