Tikimt 19 — October 29

Saint Bartholomew and His Wife

Today we remember Saint Bartholomew and his kind wife. They lived in a place called Fayyum, in the country of Egypt. They loved Jesus with their whole hearts.

In their land there was a ruler called a governor, the leader in charge of a whole region. Some people told the governor that Bartholomew and his wife were Christians. The governor sent for them and asked, "What do you believe?" They were not afraid. Standing side by side, they said out loud that they believed in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Because they would not stop loving Jesus, the governor was unkind to them, and they died as martyrs, staying faithful to God even though it cost them their lives. Bartholomew and his wife were not afraid, because they knew they were going home to God together. God gave them shining crowns in heaven, the way a king gives a crown to a champion.

Standing side by side, they said out loud that they believed in our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Big Meeting at Antioch

On this day a great many church leaders had a big meeting in a church in the city of Antioch. A meeting like this, where leaders come together to help the whole Church, is called a Council.

Why did they meet? A teacher named Paul of Samosata had started teaching things that were not true. He said that Jesus was only an ordinary man, and not really God's Son. But that is not right. Jesus is truly God, and He truly came to save us.

A wise and very old church father named Abba Dionysius was too old to travel to the meeting. So he wrote a kind, careful letter instead. In his letter he reminded everyone of the true and beautiful teaching about God.

The leaders read the letter out loud, and they gently tried to help Paul change his mind. But Paul would not listen. So the Council agreed together on the right teaching, and they wrote down rules to keep God's people safe and strong. Thanks to leaders like these, we still know the true story of who Jesus is.

Christ is the Word of God, and is His Son, and is equal with Him in Godhead and Nature.— Abba Dionysius

Saint John of Dailam and His Wonderful Travels

Long ago, a man named Abraham and his wife Sara had no children, and they were sad. One day two monks, holy men who lived quiet lives of prayer, came to stay in their home. The monks prayed for them. Soon, what a joy: Sara had a baby boy! They named him John.

When John grew up, he loved God so much that he went to live with the monks and learn to pray. His teacher, a holy old monk named Abba Simon, loved John dearly and said God had chosen him to become a father to many people.

John traveled far and wide, and everywhere he went, God answered his prayers in wonderful ways. Once, some travelers and their camels had no water in the hot desert. John knelt down and prayed, and fresh water came bubbling up out of the ground for everyone to drink!

In one town the people worshipped trees instead of God. John prayed, and a whole forest gently lay down, and the people understood and chose to love God instead. In another place, unkind people tried to hurt John, but God kept him safe every time. They were so astonished that they too came to believe.

John built a church and helped more people than anyone could count to know and love God. After a long, happy life of serving, he went home to God in peace.

Be strong, O my son, for the love of Christ, for He has chosen you to be a father to many.— Abba Simon to young John

Abba Simon, the Loving Teacher

We also remember Abba Simon, the gentle monk who taught John of Dailam. He was so close to God that people said the Holy Spirit wrapped around him like a warm blanket of light.

Abba Simon loved his students and prayed for them. Most of all, he helped young John grow up to love God and do so much good for everyone. A good teacher is a true gift from God.

The Good People of Al-Matra

Last of all today, we remember the good and faithful people of a place called Al-Matra. Unkind men were cruel to them because they loved God, and they died as martyrs.

We do not need to be sad for them. They were brave, and they kept their love for God right to the end. Now they are safe and happy with Him forever, and we thank God for their shining example.