Tikimt 23 — November 02

Saint Abba Joseph, the Kind Archbishop

Abba Joseph grew up in a town called Manuf. His family was rich, but when his mother and father died, a good man who loved God took care of him. When Joseph grew up, he gave all his money to people who were poor. He loved God more than gold.

Then Joseph went far away to the quiet desert and joined a monastery, a peaceful home where people pray together. There he became a monk, and he spent his days learning to pray and to love God.

One day the churches needed a new leader, an archbishop to watch over them all. Some people wanted to pick the wrong man, so everyone went to church and asked God, "Please show us the best person!" God put kind Joseph into their hearts. The people went to his little room in the desert and found his door wide open, just as they had prayed it would be. "Joseph is worthy!" they cheered. He felt too small for such a big job, but they gently brought him to lead the churches.

Abba Joseph cared well for the churches. He bought land to help them, and he taught everyone, never forgetting a single person. When two other church leaders were being unfair to the people, Joseph asked them again and again to be kind. He worked hard to make peace.

Some men told lies about Joseph to the king, and a soldier raised a sword to hurt him. But God was watching over Joseph, and the sword never touched him. Then the king saw that Joseph was a holy and innocent man, and he gave him great honor.

Our Lord Christ in the Holy Gospel commanded us to do good in return for evil.— Abba Joseph, asking the king to forgive the men who lied about him

How Abba Joseph Helped Ethiopia

Far away in Ethiopia, the people were very sad. They had sent away Abba John, the good bishop who had cared for them and prayed for them, and after that no rain fell, the land grew dry, and many were sick. The king of Ethiopia wrote a letter to Abba Joseph and asked, "Please send our bishop John back to us!"

When Abba Joseph read the letter, he was so glad. He found Abba John, comforted him, and sent him home to Ethiopia with kind, brave helpers. As soon as Abba John arrived, the rain came down again, the sickness went away, and everyone was happy. Abba John helped the people love God again and taught them the meaning of the holy Bible.

After many good years of serving God, Abba Joseph grew old. God did great things through him, and at last Joseph died peacefully and went home to God.

As soon as he arrived, the rain fell from heaven again, and the king rejoiced with very great joy.— the day Abba John came home to Ethiopia

Saint Dionysius, Bishop of Corinth

We also remember Saint Dionysius, the bishop who cared for God's people in a city called Corinth. He lived long ago, when some rulers did not want people to follow Jesus.

Those rulers were unkind to Dionysius because he would not stop loving God. In the end he gave his life rather than turn away, and so we call him a martyr. He was not afraid, because he knew he was going home to heaven, where God gave him a beautiful crown.

More Brave Friends of God

On this day we also remember a little group of holy people who loved God very much. Their names are Tenkeyake, Theodosius, Talawos, Taxis, Josab, and Andrew.

They all stayed faithful to God, even when it was hard, and today they live happily with Him in heaven. We thank God for their brave and loving hearts, and we ask them to pray for us.