Tahsas 27 — January 05

Brave Bishop Absadi

Today we remember a kind and brave church leader named Saint Absadi (say it: Ab-SAH-dee). He was a bishop, a special shepherd who watches over many churches and helps God's people. He lived in a land called Egypt with his friend, Bishop Hellanicus (say it: Hel-LAN-i-cus).

Absadi loved Jesus very much. He went from town to town, teaching people the true faith and helping them stop bowing down to idols, the statues some folks prayed to instead of praying to the one real God. Because of Absadi, many people learned to love God.

A ruler named Diocletian did not like that Absadi was teaching about Jesus, so he sent men to bring Absadi to him. Absadi was not afraid. First he asked to stay one more day with his church friends. He prayed with them, gave them the holy bread and wine of Communion, and hugged them goodbye. Hold on tight to your faith in God, he told them.

When a soldier saw Absadi's gentle, kind face, he felt sorry for him. 'You are a fine man. Please listen to the ruler and save yourself,' he said. But Absadi answered with brave words people still remember.

Wicked men hurt Absadi because he would not stop loving Jesus, and he became a martyr, someone who stays true to God even when it costs them their life. But here is the surprising part. Each time they tried to harm him, God kept him safe and unhurt, again and again. Absadi was not afraid at all. His heart was full of joy, because he knew he was going home to live with God forever in heaven.

I will not trade the kingdom of heaven for this passing world.— Saint Absadi

Patient Abba Bag'u

We also remember Abba Bag'u (say it: BAH-goo), a holy man famous for being very, very patient. Being patient means waiting calmly and not giving up, even when something is hard or takes a long time.

Abba Bag'u made a special promise to God and kept it for seventy whole years. That is longer than most grandparents have been alive! Keeping a promise that long takes a strong, faithful heart. We thank God for Abba Bag'u, who shows us that loving God is something we can do every single day of our whole life.

Philip Who Loved to Pray

Last of all, we remember Philip, a gentle friend of God. Philip loved to pray, and he loved to fast. When we fast, we skip some food for a little while so we can pray and think about God instead.

Philip prayed and fasted so much, and worked so hard to be good, that he grew very thin. He gave up many comforts because being close to God made him happier than anything else. Philip teaches us that time spent with God is the very best treasure of all.