Sene 28 — July 05

Abba Theodosius, the Faithful Archbishop

Today we remember a kind church father named Abba Theodosius (say it: thee-oh-DOH-shus). He was the thirty-third archbishop of the big city of Alexandria in Egypt, a leader who took care of many churches. The Christians there loved him so much that for a long time they were even called "Theodosians," after his name.

Some unkind men did not want Theodosius to be archbishop, so they sent him away and put another man in his place. But Theodosius was not alone. A holy friend named Abba Severus came to comfort him. Severus reminded him that even Jesus' apostles, and a great teacher called John the Golden-Mouth, had to be patient through hard times too.

Soon the people of Alexandria missed their good shepherd. They asked for Theodosius back, and a kind empress named Theodora helped him return to his proper place. One hundred and twenty priests all agreed: Theodosius was the rightful archbishop.

Later, an emperor wanted Theodosius to believe wrong things about God. He even promised to make him a powerful ruler if he would only agree. But Theodosius said no. He remembered how an evil spirit once tried to bribe Jesus in the desert, and Jesus said no too.

Because he would not change the true faith, Theodosius had to live far from home for many years. He was never bitter. He wrote loving letters to help God's people keep trusting Jesus. At last, after a good and faithful life, he died in peace and went home to God.

Take good heed, and keep on trusting God with all your heart.— from Abba Theodosius' letter to his people

Basil and Bifantius

On this day we also remember two faithful friends, Basil and Bifantius. They loved God very much and stayed true to Jesus all the way to the end of their lives. The Church calls such brave friends martyrs.

They were not afraid, because they knew God was holding them close and they were going home to live with Him forever. We thank God for their brave and loving hearts.

A New Church for Abba Timothy

Today is also a happy day. Long ago, in a city called Damanhur, the people finished building a beautiful church in honor of a holy man named Abba Timothy.

Building a church is a joyful thing. It becomes a special home where everyone can come together to pray, to sing, and to thank God. The people were so glad to have a new place to worship.

Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob

We also remember three friends of God from long, long ago: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They were a grandfather, his son, and his grandson, one family that loved and trusted God.

God made big promises to them and always kept His word. The Bible tells their stories so we can learn to trust God too, just the way they did.

I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.— Exodus 3:6