Tahsas 15 — December 24

Saint Gregory, the Brave Teacher of Armenia

Long ago there lived a good man named Gregory. He was an archbishop, a leader who takes care of many churches. Gregory lived in a faraway land called Armenia.

The king of that land, named Tiridates (say it like "Tih-RID-a-tees"), wanted everyone to bow down to statues called idols. But Gregory loved only the one true God, so he would not bow. This made the king angry, and he put Gregory down in a dry pit, deep and dark like a well. Gregory stayed there for a long, long time.

But Gregory was never really alone, because God was with him. Every week, God sent a kind old woman to bring him food. No one else knew how Gregory stayed alive down there, but God took care of him the whole time.

One night the king's sister had a dream. A voice in the dream told her that the kingdom would only be well again if they helped Gregory out of the pit. So everyone hurried to the pit. They lowered a long rope into the dark and called out to see if Gregory was still alive.

Gregory grabbed the rope and held on tight with both hands. Up, up, up they pulled him, until he came out into the sunshine, safe and well! They washed him, gave him clean new clothes, and welcomed him with great joy. God had kept him safe the whole time.

Gregory grabbed the rope and held on tight, and up he came into the sunshine, safe and well.

Gregory Helps the King and His People

Something sad had happened while Gregory was in the pit. Some holy young women, led by a brave girl named Arsima, had stayed faithful to God, and the king had treated them very badly. Afterward the king felt terrible about what he had done. A heavy trouble came over him, so that he grew confused and unwell, and so did the people of his palace.

When Gregory came up from the pit, he asked about the holy young women. The people showed him where they were, and Gregory saw that God had kept their bodies safe and unharmed. He had a beautiful resting place built for them and laid them there with great honor.

Then the people begged Gregory to help the poor king, who was troubled by an evil spirit. Gregory asked the king kindly, "Will you turn away from doing wrong?" The king nodded yes. So Gregory prayed, and the evil spirit went away, because God is always stronger than anything evil. The king felt well again, and gentle and humble. Gregory prayed for all the palace people too, and they were healed.

Gregory taught everyone in Armenia about God, and how Jesus came to earth to save us. The whole land, young and old, came to love Jesus. This is how the people of Armenia first became Christians! Gregory built them a lovely church named for our Lady Mary, and helped all their churches grow strong in faith. Then, after a good and faithful life, Gregory died in peace.

Will you turn away from doing wrong?— Saint Gregory to the king

Saint Luke of the Pillar

We also remember Saint Luke. He loved God so much that he gave his days to prayer and lived bravely for Him. Six days each week he fasted, which means he chose to go without some food so he could pray and keep his mind on God.

Luke stood firm against everything evil and never let it win, because he trusted God. From Luke we learn to keep praying and to stay close to God every single day.

Saint Yemsah and the Faithful Friends

We also remember a holy man named Abba Yemsah, who stayed faithful to God all his life.

And there are more brave friends to greet: Herwag, Ananias, and Kazi from a city called Akhmim, and Sansaradin and Eugenius from a city called Gawer. They all loved God with their whole hearts and never stopped trusting Him, even when it was hard. They are happy with God forever now.

Miriam, the Sister of Aaron

We also remember Miriam from the Bible. She was the big sister of Moses and Aaron. When Moses was a tiny baby floating in a basket on the river, it was Miriam who watched over him and helped keep him safe.

Miriam loved to sing and praise God. After God brought her people safely across the sea to freedom, Miriam led everyone in a happy song of thanks. She reminds us to thank God with joy for all He does.