Nehase 25 — August 31

Saint Andrianus and His Friends

Andrianus (say it AHN-dree-AH-nus) was a young soldier who worked for the emperor. He was in charge of other young soldiers, so he was very important. But Andrianus did not yet know God.

In those days, some people were being treated unkindly because they loved Jesus and would not bow down to statues. Andrianus watched a group of these brave Christians, and he saw how calm and full of hope they were. He asked them, "Why are you so happy, even now?" They told him about the home in heaven that God has promised to everyone who loves Him.

When Andrianus heard this, his heart filled with joy. He walked right up to the officers and said out loud, "I am a Christian too! Please write my name down with theirs." He was only twenty-eight years old, and he had found the greatest treasure of all.

Andrianus had a wife named Antolia (say it an-TOH-lee-ah) who also loved God very much. She was so happy that her husband now believed in Jesus. She visited the brave Christians, helped take care of them, and kept telling Andrianus to be strong and never give up. She reminded him that gold and silver do not last forever, but God's love lasts always.

Andrianus and twenty-four of his new friends stayed faithful to God right to the very end. It cost them their lives, and that is what makes them martyrs, but they all went home to heaven. Afterward, kind believers carefully carried them to a safe place. When Antolia's own life was over, God gently took her in her sleep, and she was laid to rest beside the friends she loved. We say: Salutation to Andrianus and to all his faithful companions.

I am a Christian too! Please write my name down with theirs.— Saint Andrianus

Rejoice, for your name is written in the heavens.— Antolia, to her husband

Abba Bisaryon the Great

Abba Bisaryon (say it bih-SAH-ree-on), who is also called Bessarion, was born to a kind mother and father who loved God. When he grew up, he wanted to give his whole life to God. So he became a monk and went off to live quietly, spending his days in prayer.

Abba Bisaryon went to learn from Saint Anthony and Saint Macarius, two famous holy men who lived in the desert. Then he lived in the desert too. He owned almost nothing at all, not even a real bed. He wore simple, scratchy clothes, and he spent his days and nights praying to God. He prayed like this for forty-seven years!

God answered Abba Bisaryon's prayers in ways that surprised everyone. Once, he and two friends were walking by the sea and grew very thirsty. Abba Bisaryon prayed, and God turned the salty water sweet so they could drink. Another time he needed to cross a wide river, but there was no boat. So he prayed, and then he walked right across the top of the water to the other side, just as Jesus once did!

Abba Bisaryon was also very humble, which means he did not want people to praise him. One day some men brought a sick man who was troubled by an evil spirit. The wise monks knew Abba Bisaryon was too shy to help in front of a crowd, so they gently laid the sick man down in Abba Bisaryon's prayer spot. When the holy man came to pray, he found the man there. He took him by the hand and said, "Get up," and at once the man stood up, well and happy again, because God is always stronger than anything evil. Everyone thanked God.

After his long, prayerful life, Abba Bisaryon died in peace. We say: Salutation to Abba Bisaryon.

He prayed, and then he walked right across the top of the water to the other side.

Elianus and His Sister Eudoxia

Two more friends of God belong in today's story: Elianus (say it ee-lee-AH-nus) and his sister Eudoxia (say it yoo-DOK-see-ah). A brother and a sister who both loved God and stayed faithful to Him are remembered together on this happy day.

We also remember the good group of priests who were friends of Saint Andrianus. They lived together like a family, helping one another to love God. We ask all of these holy friends to pray for us.