Tahsas 1 — December 10

Elias the Prophet

Today we remember Elias, a great prophet of God. A prophet listens to God and tells people what He wants them to know. When Elias was just a tiny baby, his father saw two shining angels bow down low and gently wrap him in soft light. Right away, everyone could tell this little boy would grow up to do special things for God.

When Elias grew up, God gave him real power. Once, when people had forgotten all about God, Elias prayed, and the rain stopped falling for a long, long time. Later he prayed again, and the rain came back to help the land grow green. More than anything, Elias wanted people to remember and love the one true God.

The Bible gives Elias a happy ending. God loved him so much that He sent down a chariot of fire, and Elias was carried all the way up to heaven without ever dying. People say that one day, far in the future, Elias will come back to help God's people again.

Salutation to Elias, who prayed, and the sky held back its rain.

Naboth and His Vineyard

Naboth was a good man who owned a vineyard, a garden where rows of grapes grow on the vine. That garden meant the world to him, because it had been handed down through his family for a long, long time.

A king named Ahab wanted the vineyard and offered to buy it. Naboth gently said no. The garden was a gift from his grandparents, and he wanted to keep it. It took courage to stand up for what was right, even to a king, but Naboth did.

Sadly, the king's wife treated Naboth unfairly, and he lost his life because he would not give up what God had given his family. But God saw it all, and He never forgot good and faithful Naboth. We remember him today as a man who was honest and true.

Abba Peter of Gaza

Abba Peter was born into an important family, and the emperor wanted to make him a governor, the leader who rules over a whole city. But Peter chose a different path. He gave up all that power and glory so he could spend his life praying and serving God.

Peter became a monk, living a quiet life of prayer and working hard at loving God. He tried to stay hidden, but people heard how holy he was anyway. The bishops loved him so much that they made him the Bishop of Gaza, to watch over the churches there.

One day, while Abba Peter prayed during the holy service, something wonderful happened. People said the bread of the offering seemed to fill with grace, as if heaven itself had blessed it. When Peter grew old, God let him know it was almost time to come home. So Peter gathered his friends, told them to keep loving God, and then peacefully went to be with the Lord.

Behold, our Lord Christ will call you to come to us.

Abba John, Archbishop of Alexandria

Abba John was a kind priest who became an archbishop in the great city of Alexandria, a leader trusted to care for many churches at once. While he led the people, new churches were built so everyone could come together to worship God.

During Abba John's time, there was a famine that lasted three whole years. When a famine comes, there is not enough food, and people go hungry. Abba John did not forget the poor. Twice every week he handed out bread and money to people in need, and he shared gifts with anyone who was hungry or sad.

Abba John served God's people for nine years, always doing good and helping others. When his work was finished, he died peacefully, loved by everyone he had cared for.

Abba Athanasius and Other Faithful Friends

Today we also remember Abba Athanasius, another archbishop of Alexandria, who watched over God's churches with love. He was sometimes called Paul, and he came from a family that loved the Lord.

On this same day we remember many more friends of God: Peter, James, Elijah the monk, and a kind woman named Bathsheba, who was the mother of Solomon. Each one, in their own way, loved God and did their best to follow Him.

Hearing all these names together reminds us of something happy. God has so many friends, and He keeps every single one of them close to His heart. We can be His friends too, by praying and being kind.