Tikimt 25 — November 04

Abba 'Abib, the Boy Who Loved Jesus

Long ago a kind couple named Abraham and Harik wanted very much to have a child. They prayed and prayed, and at last God gave them a baby boy. An angel even told them, in a dream, that their son would belong to God.

Our Lady Mary visited the bishop in a dream and asked him to baptize the baby, welcoming him into God's family with holy water. The bishop named the boy Bula, but everyone would later call him 'Abib (say it AH-beeb). When 'Abib was only one year old, he could already talk, and he said, "One is the Holy Father, One is the Holy Son, One is the Holy Spirit."

When 'Abib was still a boy, a cruel ruler told everyone to bow down to idols, which are only statues, not the real God. Brave little 'Abib walked right up to the ruler and said no. He would worship only the true God. The ruler was amazed that such a small boy could be so brave.

Wicked men tried to hurt 'Abib because he would not stop loving Jesus. But every time, God sent the great angel Saint Michael to rescue him and make him well again. 'Abib was never afraid, because he knew God was always near.

When 'Abib's life on earth was finished, Jesus Himself came to carry him home to heaven, holding shining crowns in His hands. And Jesus made a kind promise about everyone who remembers 'Abib with love.

One is the Holy Father, One is the Holy Son, One is the Holy Spirit.— Abba 'Abib, when he was one year old

Whoever shows mercy to the poor, or clothes the naked, or feeds the hungry, or gives drink to the thirsty, I will forgive his sins.— the promise of the Lord to 'Abib

Abba Apollo, the Faithful Friend

On this day we also remember Abba Apollo (say it ah-POL-loh), a holy man who was so good and gentle that people said he was like the angels. His parents, Amone and Musya, were very kind. They loved to help travelers and strangers, and they shared what they had with anyone in need.

Amone and Musya longed for a child, and God gave them little Apollo. When Apollo grew up, he wished to become a monk and give his days to quiet prayer. So one night he and his good friend 'Abib slipped away together to a monastery, where they prayed and served God side by side.

After his friend 'Abib went home to God, Apollo went to a place called Ablug. Many people came to learn from him, and he taught them to love God and to pray.

One day, while everyone was remembering 'Abib, a monk had a little doubt about God's promise. Then God showed His love in a way that turned the doubt to joy, and everyone praised Him. Apollo lived many, many years, built monasteries, and helped countless people. He was even friends with the famous holy man Abba Macarius the Great. One day God told Apollo, deep in his heart, that a letter of kindness was on its way from Macarius. Very soon a monk arrived carrying that very letter, and everyone rejoiced. At the end of his long life, Apollo went peacefully home to God.

Be silent, my brothers, for Abba Macarius is writing us a letter of encouragement.— Abba Apollo

The Church of Saint Julius

On this day, long ago, a beautiful church was opened to honor a holy man named Saint Julius. Saint Julius had a very special and loving job: he cared for the bodies of God's faithful people who had died, and he wrote down their brave stories so no one would forget them.

Later, a good emperor named Constantine became a Christian. He was so thankful for Saint Julius that he sent money to build a fine new church in his honor. When it was finished, the bishops gathered to bless it with a happy celebration, just like the one we remember today. And God did many good things there to show how much He loved Saint Julius.

Abba 'Abel and Dalila

We also remember two more of God's friends on this day: Abba 'Abel and a faithful young woman named Dalila. We honor them and ask them to pray for us, just as we thank God for all the saints who loved Him with their whole hearts.