Sene 18 — June 25

Abba Damianus, the Gentle Teacher

Today we remember a holy father named Abba Damianus (say it: dah-mee-AH-nus). When he was still young, he went to live in a quiet, sandy place called the desert of Scete, and there he became a monk, giving himself to a calm life of prayer. For seventeen years he prayed and worked hard to be close to God.

Damianus was so good and so kind that everyone loved him. A church leader named Abba Peter needed a wise helper to look after the churches. People said, "Ask Damianus. He is learned and good." So Damianus came to help, and everyone could see how gentle and faithful he was.

When Abba Peter died, the other church leaders all agreed on one thing: Damianus should be the new archbishop of the big city of Alexandria. An archbishop is a leader who looks after many churches. Damianus did not want such a big job, but he said yes, to serve God and God's people.

Damianus loved to teach the truth about God. Some people had a wrong idea. They thought there was only one Person in God, and Damianus felt sad for them. So he wrote them kind letters to help them understand the beautiful truth: that God is Three Persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and yet still One God. He filled his letters with verses from the Bible so everyone could learn.

For thirty-three years Abba Damianus watched over God's family. He kept writing letters full of love and good teaching to guide people everywhere. He grew to a happy old age, he pleased God, and at last he died in peace.

God is One in His Godhead, yet He is Three Persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — forever and ever.— what Abba Damianus taught

Isidore, Who Stayed True to God

We also remember a brave saint named Isidore (say it: IZ-i-dor). He is called a martyr, because he loved God so much that he stayed faithful even when it cost him his life.

Isidore would not stop loving God, no matter what. He held tight to his faith, like holding the hand of a friend who will never let go. Now he rests safe and happy with God in heaven, and we thank God for his brave and faithful heart.