Sene 19 — June 26

Saint George, Who Tasted Honey

Long ago in Egypt there lived a boy named Zakhan. His mother loved God and went to church, and Zakhan loved to go with her. More than anything, he wanted to be a Christian too.

One day his mother gave him a little piece of blessed bread called Eulogia, the bread a priest blesses and shares. When Zakhan ate it, it tasted as sweet as honey in his mouth. He thought, if this little piece is this sweet, then God's gifts must be sweeter still. So he chose to follow Jesus and took a new name: George.

Some people did not like that George loved Jesus, and they were unkind to him. So he traveled to other towns. In one town he helped care for a church named after another brave saint, George the martyr, who had stayed close to God even when it cost him everything.

George stayed faithful to Jesus his whole life. He was never afraid, because he knew Jesus was always with him. One night a kind angel even came to comfort him and promised him a crown in heaven. When he finally went home to God, the people built him a beautiful church, and God worked many healings and helps there. They sang thank-you songs for brave George and his good friends.

I will not deny my Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, the Maker of heaven and earth.— Saint George

Saint Besoy-nob, Whose Name Means Fine Gold

Next we remember a soldier named Besoy-nob. His name means "fine gold," because his heart was as good and bright as gold. He came from a kind, wealthy family in a town near the sea.

Besoy-nob was a soldier, but most of all he was a friend of Jesus. When the rulers told him to stop believing in God, he would not. He was not afraid, because he trusted that God was taking care of him.

Then something remarkable happened. A wild lion got loose and rushed toward Besoy-nob. But God sent a shining angel who lifted him up high, far above the lion, and carried him safely through the air to a faraway place called the Fountain of the Sun. Besoy-nob kept his eyes closed the whole way and never even knew where he was flying. God kept him safe.

Besoy-nob stayed faithful to Jesus to the very end and went home to live with God forever. We say a happy hello to Besoy-nob, whose shining name means fine gold.

God sent His angel and carried Besoy-nob safely above the lion, high through the air.

Five Brave Friends

Today we also remember five soldiers who were the best of friends: Arsonophis, Peter, Ascarion, Arengis, and Belfeyos. They loved God together.

A ruler told the five friends to pray to pretend gods made of stone. They would not. With one voice they answered that they would worship only the true God, Jesus. They were brave because they helped each other stay strong.

One night Arengis told his friends a happy secret. An angel of God had spoken all five of their names out loud. That meant God knew each one of them by name and would never forget them.

The friends stayed close to God even when it was very hard. One by one, on different days, they went home to heaven, never letting go of their love for Jesus. The last one, Belfeyos, told his friends, "Wait with me tonight. I am going to God now." Then he too went peacefully to be with the Lord. We say a loving hello to all five brave friends.

It is good to have friends who help us love God. The five soldiers remind us to stand together and be kind and brave.

I heard the angel of God say the names of all five of us.— Saint Arengis

The Holy Fathers of Debre Kua'at

On this day we also remember the holy fathers of a place called Debre Kua'at. Debre means a holy hill or monastery, a peaceful home where people pray to God together.

These good fathers spent their days praying, singing, and helping one another grow close to God. We thank God for them and ask them to pray for us too.