Tahsas 11 — December 20

Abba Bakimos, the Shepherd Boy Who Loved God

Today we remember a holy father named Abba Bakimos (say it: bah-KEE-mos). He lived in Egypt long ago. When he was only twelve years old, he watched over his father's sheep out in the fields.

One day God sent him an angel who looked like a kind young man. The angel asked, "Will you come with me and become a monk, and give your days to quiet prayer?" Bakimos said "Yes!" right away, and the two of them went out to live in the desert, where many holy people prayed to God.

For many years Bakimos lived with three wise old monks and learned from them. How he loved to pray. He would say thousands of prayers each day and night, and his favorite was the one Jesus taught us, the "Our Father."

Bakimos also learned to fast, going without food for a while so he could pray and keep his mind on God. Sometimes when he grew hungry and weak, God sent an angel with bread and water to care for him. God never let His friend go without.

Once an evil spirit tried to scare Bakimos by twisting itself into frightening shapes. But Bakimos was not afraid. He prayed, and in the strength of God the shapes fled away, because God is always, always stronger than anything bad.

Will you come with me and become a monk?— the angel, to young Bakimos

A Friend Carried by God

After many years, God told Bakimos to go back near his old city. There he built a tiny home, called a cell, and lived close to God. People came from all around to visit him. He was a safe harbor for them: kind, gentle, and full of good advice. Just being near him made them feel happy and peaceful.

God gave Bakimos a special gift. Sometimes He would carry him quickly from one place to another, the way the wind carries a leaf. Once Bakimos was tired from a long walk, carrying baskets to sell so he could buy food. He sat down to rest, and God lifted him and his baskets gently to the very place he needed to go.

Far away, another holy man named Abba Sinoda saw a tall, shining pillar that looked like it was made of pearl. "What is that beautiful pillar?" he wondered. An angel told him, "That is Abba Bakimos." So Abba Sinoda walked a long way to meet him, and the two holy friends hugged each other with great joy. They prayed together and shared God's love before Abba Sinoda went home again.

Bakimos Goes Home to Heaven

Bakimos lived a long and beautiful life of seventy years, praying and helping people. When he was about to leave this world, he was not afraid. He saw all the holy saints coming to welcome him, and he gently gave his soul to God.

Then the angels lifted him up, singing happy songs, and carried him all the way home to where God lives. What a joyful day for God's faithful friend.

Saint Bartholomew the Bishop, and Batlan

Today we also remember Saint Bartholomew, a bishop, one of the church fathers who lovingly cares for God's people. He taught everyone to follow Jesus and to be kind.

We remember a faithful man named Batlan too. He loved God with his whole heart and stayed true to Him all his life. Both of these holy friends are with God now.

Theodore of the Joyful Face

Last of all, we say a happy hello to Saint Theodore (say it: THEE-oh-dor), who is called "Theodore of the joyful face." What a lovely name. The old book says he was like good fruit growing from a good tree.

That means Theodore grew up loving God, and good things came from his life, just the way sweet apples come from a healthy apple tree. We can be like good fruit too, when we let God's love grow inside us.

Theodore of the joyful face, who was like a good fruit springing from a good tree.