Nehase 27 — September 02

Benjamin and Eudoxia, the Brave Brother and Sister

Benjamin and his sister Eudoxia (say it: yoo-DOK-see-uh) grew up in a town called Sabersir. Their mother and father loved God very much. They were kind to travelers and to people far from home, and they taught their two children to love God too.

When Benjamin grew up, he loved Jesus so much that he wanted everyone to know it, even the ruler of the town. The ruler did not want him to talk about Jesus, and he had Benjamin locked away. Benjamin's family came to visit him and were very sad. But Benjamin comforted them with gentle, wise words.

When his sister Eudoxia heard her brother speak, she was filled with courage. She told the ruler that she loved Jesus too, and that she would always stay beside her brother. The two of them were kept in a dark room for many days.

Then God did something no one expected. The brother and sister were thrown into a deep river, but an angel of God came down and held them up in the water! God carried them gently all the way to a village called Batra, where a kind young woman found them and helped them out of the river, safe and well.

Benjamin and Eudoxia kept loving God to the very end, and they gave their lives for Him. They were not afraid, because they knew they were going home to God. Later a beautiful church was built in their town, and many sick people who came there were healed.

The life of this world passes quickly, but life with God never ends.— Saint Benjamin

My brother, I will never leave you, and whatever happens to you, I will stay beside you.— Saint Eudoxia

Samuel, the Boy Who Heard God's Voice

This day also belongs to Samuel, a great prophet. A prophet is a special friend of God who hears God's words and tells them to the people.

When Samuel was just a young boy, he lived in God's house and helped an old priest named Eli. One night Samuel heard someone call his name. He ran to Eli, but Eli had not called him. This happened again and again! At last Eli understood: it was God calling the boy. So Eli told Samuel that the next time he heard the voice, he should say, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening."

Samuel did just that, and God spoke to him. From that night on, Samuel became God's prophet for all the people of Israel. When Samuel grew up, God even chose him to anoint David, who would become the good king of Israel. Samuel shows us that God can speak to anyone who is ready to listen, even a child.

Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.— 1 Samuel 3:9

Victor and His Mother Sara

Today we also remember Victor, who lived in the great city of Alexandria, and his loving mother, whose name was Sara.

A mother and her child who both love God are a special blessing. Sara helped her son grow up to be faithful and good. We thank God for families who pray together and stay close to him, just like Victor and his mother Sara.

Suriel the Archangel

Today is also a happy feast for Suriel (say it: SOOR-ee-el), one of God's great archangels. An archangel is one of the most important angels, standing close to God to serve Him.

Long ago, Suriel remembered the twelve sons of Jacob, the families who became God's people. Angels are God's helpers and messengers, and they watch over us with love. We ask this kind angel to pray for us all.