Tikimt 28 — November 07

Marcianus and Mercurius, Two Faithful Friends

Today we remember two good friends named Marcianus (say it MAR-see-AH-nus) and Mercurius (say it mer-KYOO-ree-us). They learned from a holy teacher named Abba Paul, an archbishop, which is a leader who takes care of many churches.

In those days some people were teaching wrong ideas about God. A man named Arius told everyone that Jesus was not truly God. But that is not true. Jesus is the Son of God, fully God! Abba Paul taught the right and true faith, and so some powerful people sent him far away, and he died for loving God.

Marcianus and Mercurius were very sad and very brave. They wrote down the true faith and said clearly that Arius was wrong. Some people did not like that, and the two friends were hurt for telling the truth. They died together, giving their lives rather than let go of God, and so we call them martyrs. They were not afraid, because they knew they were going home to God.

Many years later a kind and famous teacher heard their story. His name was John, and people called him John of the Golden Mouth because he spoke so beautifully. He loved them so much that he built a church just for them and carefully laid their bodies to rest inside it. Everyone gathered for a joyful feast to thank God for these two faithful friends.

They were not afraid, because they knew they were going home to God.

Abba Maksu and Macarius

On this day we also remember two holy men named Abba Maksu and Macarius (say it ma-KAR-ee-us). They loved God and spent their lives praying and doing good. We thank God for these quiet, faithful saints and ask them to pray for us.

Japheth, the Son of Noah

Today we remember Japheth (say it JAY-feth), one of the sons of Noah. You may know the story of Noah, who built a big boat called the ark when the great flood came. God kept Noah and his whole family safe inside the ark.

Japheth was a good son, and his father Noah blessed him with kind and happy words. A blessing is a special wish for good things from God. Here is what Noah said about Japheth.

God shall make broad the land of Japheth.— from the blessing of Noah

Abba Yam'ata, One of the Nine Saints

On this day Saint Abba Yam'ata (say it yam-AH-ta) went home to God. He was one of the Nine Saints, nine holy friends who came from far away to Ethiopia long ago to teach people about Jesus and to help the churches grow. They worked together to share God's love, and people still remember them with great thanks.

When Abba Yam'ata died, his body was laid to rest high up on the top of a mountain, inside the rock. It is a beautiful, peaceful place. We thank God for this brave saint who traveled so far to tell others about Jesus.

Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob

Today we also remember three special friends of God from long ago: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Abraham trusted God so much that he left his old home to follow wherever God led him. His son was Isaac, and Isaac's son was Jacob.

These three are like a grandfather, a father, and a son who all loved and obeyed God. The Bible often calls Him the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They remind us to trust God and follow Him with all our hearts.