Nehase 6 — August 12

Saint Justa, Who Trusted in Treasure That Lasts Forever

Saint Justa (we say it EYE-a-lota) lived in a faraway land called Cappadocia. Her family was rich, and when her parents died they left her money, lands, and a big home with helpers.

But a greedy man tricked her and took everything she had. When Justa wanted to tell the truth about what he had done, he tried to get her in trouble for being a Christian.

Justa was not sad about the things she lost. She knew that money and treasures here do not last. She said something very wise in her heart.

When the ruler asked her about her faith, Justa was brave and answered with all her heart. She loved Jesus, and she was not afraid to say so. She stayed close to God all the way to the end of her life, even when it cost her everything. That is what it means to be a martyr.

God kept Justa completely safe, and she was not hurt at all. Instead of the money the greedy man stole, Justa received a home in heaven that no one can ever take away. A famous holy teacher named Saint Basil praised her for being so brave.

If I gain the home that is in heaven, no one will be able to take it from me.— Saint Justa

Abba Wisa, the Faithful Helper

Abba Wisa was a holy father who lived in a monastery, a quiet home where people pray to God together. For many years he was the helper and student of a great teacher named Abba Sinoda.

Abba Sinoda shared with Wisa many secrets about God that he had learned from our Lord Jesus. Wisa listened carefully and remembered everything.

Because he paid such close attention, Abba Wisa was able to write down the story of Abba Sinoda's life, all the good things he saw and heard. Thanks to Wisa, people could still learn from these holy stories long after.

Abba Wisa worked hard for God his whole life, and he made God happy. When he was old, he died in peace, like a tired friend falling asleep safe at home.

Saint Mary Magdalene, the First to Share the Happy News

Saint Mary Magdalene was a close friend and follower of Jesus. Jesus once helped her and made her well, and after that she stayed near Him and helped Him and His helpers in every way she could.

Mary was there during the saddest days, when Jesus was hurt and died on the cross. She did not run away. She loved Him too much to leave.

Very early on Sunday morning, Mary came to the tomb where Jesus had been laid. The big stone was rolled away, and a shining angel was sitting on it! The angel told her not to be afraid, because Jesus had risen from the dead.

Then Jesus Himself, alive again, met Mary and spoke to her. He asked her to go and tell His friends the happy news.

Mary ran to tell the apostles that Jesus was alive! She was the very first person to share the good news of Easter. After that she kept helping the apostles, and God's Holy Spirit filled her with power. She traveled and taught many women about Jesus, and helped them be baptized. Even when people were unkind to her, she kept loving God and serving Him until the very end of her life.

Go and tell My brethren that I have risen.— the words of Jesus to Mary

Saint Tekle Michael, the Boy Who Loved to Sing to God

Saint Tekle Michael loved to sing to God ever since he was a young boy. He sang hymns, and he sang psalms, which are songs and prayers right out of the Bible.

His singing was a gift he gave back to God, day after day. The church was so thankful for him that they made a special holy day to remember his house of prayer.

God watched over Tekle Michael and kept him safe, even from wild animals like lions and leopards. Not a single one could harm him, because God was taking care of His singing friend.

Saint Tekle Iyesus and Saint Julia

Two more friends of God are remembered on this day: Saint Tekle Iyesus and Saint Julia.

We do not know many stories about them, but we know they loved God and belong to His big, happy family of saints. We say hello to them with love and ask them to pray for us, just as we would ask a kind grandparent or friend.