Tikimt 17 — October 27

Filias, the Brave Bishop

Filias (say it FIL-ee-as) was a bishop, which is a special leader who takes care of God's churches. He lived in a land called Tamias a very long time ago. In those days, the ruler did not love God. He wanted everyone to bow down to pretend gods made of stone and gold.

The ruler told Filias to give gifts to the pretend gods. But Filias loved the one true God, and he would not. The ruler asked, "What kind of gift does your God want?" Filias smiled and gave a beautiful answer. He said God wants a clean and loving heart, fair and kind choices, and words that are always true. Those are the best gifts of all!

Then Filias told the ruler the story of Jesus: how He was born, how much He loves us, and how He rose again on Easter morning. The ruler tried to scare Filias and tried to bribe him with money, but Filias was not afraid. Even his own brother begged him to give in, yet Filias only wanted to follow God.

Wicked men hurt Filias because he would not stop loving God, and he died as a martyr, faithful to the end even though it cost him his life. He prayed to Jesus, said goodbye to his friends in peace, and went home to God in heaven.

A pure heart and righteous judgment, and the word which is true — such are the gifts that please God.— Saint Filias

Saint Gregory, Basil's Brother

Today we also remember Saint Gregory. He was the brother of another holy man named Basil (say it BAZ-il), who was blessed and loved by God.

Gregory and Basil grew up in a family that loved God together. Isn't it nice that brothers can help each other follow Jesus? Saint Gregory became a teacher of the Church, and he helped people understand how good and great God is.

Saint Dioscorus, Who Loved to Write

Saint Dioscorus (say it die-OSS-kor-us) was the archbishop of the great city of Alexandria, the leader who watched over all its churches. He was gentle and kind and wise, and he always did good.

Dioscorus loved to teach people about God. He wrote a long, careful letter to another holy church father named Abba Severus, far away in a city called Antioch. In the letter, Dioscorus explained how Jesus, the Son of God, came to live with us, born from holy Saint Mary. He helped people believe the truth about Jesus the right way.

When Abba Severus read the letter, he was so happy that he read it out loud to all the people, and everybody was glad. He wrote back to thank Dioscorus and to cheer him on.

Dioscorus kept teaching his people every day. He read them the Holy Bible and asked all the other church leaders to take good care of God's people, the way a kind shepherd takes care of his sheep. When his good work was finished and God was pleased with him, Dioscorus died in peace.

Teach your people all the time, so that they may be strong in the true faith.— Abba Severus, writing to Dioscorus

Saint Stephen, the First to Be Brave

Last of all, we remember Saint Stephen. He was an archdeacon, which is a helper in the church who serves God and takes care of people who are poor.

Stephen loved Jesus so much that he was the very first person to give his whole life for Him. That is why he is called the Protomartyr ("proto" means "first"). Even at the very end, Stephen was full of love and forgiveness, and he went straight home to God. We say a happy hello to brave Saint Stephen!