Tikimt 18 — October 28

Theophilus, Who Built Churches for God

Today we remember a good church father named Theophilus (say it: thee-OFF-il-us). He was an archbishop in the great city of Alexandria, a leader who takes care of many churches. When he was a boy, he lived with a wise and holy teacher named Athanasius, and he came to love God's Word so much that he knew many of the Church's books by heart.

Theophilus had a big, kind dream: to build beautiful churches where people could pray. One day a rich lady came from far away to help. Together they dug into a hill, and deep inside they found an old treasure chest filled with gold that had been hidden for hundreds of years! The good emperor gave Theophilus a share of the gold to use for God.

Theophilus did not keep the gold for himself. He used it to build church after church: one for John the Baptist and the prophet Elijah, one for our holy Lady the Virgin Mary, and one for the angel Raphael. He also built warm guest-houses where travelers and pilgrims could rest. (A pilgrim is someone making a holy journey.)

When Theophilus baptized people, he sometimes saw a shining ray of light make the sign of the Cross over the water, a gentle sign that God was near. After serving God faithfully for twenty-eight years, Theophilus grew old and went home to God in peace.

He used the treasure not for himself, but to build houses of prayer for everyone.

Romanus, the Brave Helper

Romanus (say it: ro-MAH-nus) loved God from the time he was very young. He became a monk, living quietly and spending his days praying and fasting.

In those days a ruler did not want people to follow Jesus, and he tried to frighten them. But Romanus was not afraid. He gathered the priests and helpers in the church and cheered them up, reminding them to keep trusting God and to be strong in their faith.

The ruler called Romanus to come and stand before him, and asked if he was proud of his important family. Romanus answered bravely that his real treasure and his real glory was Jesus, nothing else.

Romanus stayed faithful to God right to the very end, and he died as a martyr. He was not afraid, because he knew he was going home to live with God forever. Before he went, he left behind a happy promise for everyone who keeps trusting Jesus.

Blessed are those who do not deny our Lord, for the Son will speak for them before His Father.— Saint Romanus

More Friends of God We Remember Today

On this same day we also remember a whole group of God's faithful friends. They are John the martyr, Adrani, Artematewos, Hephaestus, Luderius, Asmanit, and her seven children.

Each of them loved God with their whole heart and stayed close to Him all their lives. We thank God for so many people, young and old, who showed us how to be faithful and brave. We ask them to pray for us too.