Tahsas 17 — December 26

Saint Luke, the Saint on the Pillar

Today we remember Saint Luke, who came from a faraway land called Persia. When he was young, he was a brave soldier. He was even the captain of one hundred other soldiers! But Luke loved God so much that he set all of that aside to live a quiet life of prayer.

Luke went to live in a monastery, a peaceful home where people pray to God together. He worked hard to be patient and kind, and the other monks came to love him. In time he became a priest there, helping to lead everyone in prayer.

Luke chose to live very simply. He often fasted, going without food so he could spend more time with God. Each week he would share in the Holy Communion and eat just a little bread and some plants from the garden. He was not trying to be sad. He only wanted to keep his heart close to God.

One day Luke climbed onto the top of a tall stone pillar, like a narrow tower, and he prayed up there for three whole years. Then he heard the gentle voice of an angel calling his name, telling him to come down. The angel showed him a cross shining with light. Luke followed it, and it led him safely all the way to a new monastery.

After a while, God asked Luke to travel near a great city called Constantinople. There he climbed another tall pillar and prayed for many years. God gave him special gifts. He could tell what would happen in days to come, and when sick people came to him, God made them well again. People came from everywhere to listen, and they went home comforted.

When Luke was very old, God called him home to heaven. The church leaders carried him gently into the great city, prayed over him, and laid him to rest beside other saints. Even then, God kept healing sick people who came to visit him with faith. What a kind and faithful friend of God Luke was!

The angel showed Luke a shining cross of light, and Luke followed it until it led him safely home.

Salutation to Luke, the pillar-saint.

Six Brave Friends of God

On this day we also remember six brave saints who loved God with all their hearts. Their names are Eusoryays, Euthyos, Suryan, Mark, Bartelel, and Nathaniel.

We call these faithful friends martyrs, because they stayed true to God even when it was very hard. They would not stop loving and following Him, no matter what, right to the very end. Nathaniel was also a monk who gave his days to prayer and to living a holy life.

We thank God for their courage. They remind us that we can always trust God and stay close to Him, even on days when being good is not easy. They are with Him in heaven now, full of joy.