Tikimt 3 — October 13

Abba Simeon, the Gentle Church Father

Today we remember a holy father named Abba Simeon. He was the archbishop of the great city of Alexandria, the leader who watched over all its churches and people the way a shepherd cares for his sheep.

Simeon grew up in a loving family who believed in God. From the time he was a tiny baby, he took in God's love the way a baby drinks milk. As he grew, he wanted to give his whole life to God.

So Simeon left the busy city and went out to the quiet desert. There he became a monk, living each day in prayer. He stayed with a wise older father named Abba Jacob, and he prayed and worked hard for God for many days.

The other church leaders watched Simeon and saw how kind, patient, and good he was. They loved him so much that they chose him to be their archbishop. They sat him on the special seat once used by Saint Mark, who first taught about Jesus in that land.

While Simeon led the people, the church was happy and peaceful. He taught everyone to follow God's good and true way. Later he became sick in his foot, and he asked God to give him rest. After a short time, he died gently and went home to be with God.

From the time he was very small, Simeon drank in the love of God, the way a baby drinks milk.

The New Saint George, a Brave Friend of God

Today we also remember a saint called the new Saint George. He loved God with his whole heart and would not stop believing in Jesus, no matter what.

Some people did not want him to keep loving God, and they hurt him. George gave his life rather than turn away from Jesus, so we call him a martyr.

But George was not afraid. He knew that being God's friend was worth more than anything in the whole world. And he knew that God was waiting to welcome him home to heaven, where there is no more sadness and no more hurt, only joy. We remember brave George and ask him to pray for us.

Nineveh, the City That Listened

Today we remember the big city of Nineveh and all the people who lived there. Long ago, the people of Nineveh were not living the way God wanted. They were unkind and forgot about God.

So God sent a man named Jonah to carry His message and tell them to change their ways. At first you might think they would not listen, but they did. The king and all the people, young and old, were sorry. They prayed and asked God to forgive them.

And God did. Because they truly changed their hearts, God was kind and saved the whole city. It is a story worth remembering: it is never too late to say sorry to God, because He is full of love and always ready to forgive.

When the people of Nineveh were sorry and prayed, God forgave them and saved their whole city.

More Holy Friends of God

On this day we also remember more saints who loved God and lived good lives: Macarius and Theophilus, and Eumara, and Gregory, who cared for God's people as a bishop in a land called Armenia.

We also remember Saint Theodora, the daughter of an emperor, a very powerful king. She could have had anything she wanted, yet Theodora chose to love God most of all.

All of these holy friends remind us that anyone can love God: kings and queens, leaders and helpers, grown-ups and children. We thank God for all of them, and we ask them to pray for us too.