Sene 11 — June 18

Saint Claudius, the Brave and Gentle Soldier

Today we remember Saint Claudius (say it: KLAW-dee-us). He was a kind and handsome young man who came from a family of kings. His face was so good and gentle that people said he looked like an angel.

Claudius was also very brave and strong. In a faraway city called Antioch, everyone loved him. They loved him so much that they painted a big picture of him right on the city gates! He read many holy books, and most of all, he loved God with his whole heart.

When a war came to the land, Claudius helped his people and kept them safe. Everyone cheered for him. But Claudius cared about something far bigger than winning battles. He cared about staying close to Jesus.

Claudius had a good friend named Victor. The two of them loved to read the Bible, God's holy book, and talk about God together. One day a tricky, evil spirit came and tried to scare them into turning away from Jesus. But Claudius and Victor were not fooled. They prayed, and the evil spirit had to run away, because God is always stronger than anything bad.

A ruler told Claudius he could keep all his riches and honors if he would only stop following Jesus. Claudius said no. He would never trade God's love for anything. Because he stayed faithful, wicked people hurt him, and Claudius died as a martyr, giving up his life rather than letting go of God. He was not afraid, for he knew he was going home to heaven, where he would live with God forever and ever.

Kind friends carefully wrapped his body and kept it safe. People say Saint Claudius rests today in a city called Asyut, in Egypt, where many still come to thank God for him.

Get away from us! God's path is good, and we will always walk on it.— what Claudius said to the evil spirit

Salutation to Claudius.

A Church for the Forty Brave Soldiers

Today we also remember a happy day in the great city of Alexandria. A beautiful new church was opened there to honor forty brave soldiers who all loved God.

A church leader named Archbishop Kirubaweyanu, who cared for many churches, blessed this new house of prayer. It was given to our Lord Jesus, our Redeemer, the One who saves us and loves us. What a joyful day it was, full of singing and thanks to God.