Tikimt 29 — November 08

Remembering the Birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ

On the twenty-ninth day of every month, we stop and remember the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. It is a happy day all year long, like a little Christmas every single month!

Jesus was born from Saint Mary, the holy virgin. We call her the God-bearer, because she carried God's own Son in her arms. She loved Jesus dearly, and Jesus loved her too. The whole world had been waiting and hoping for this day, and at last God's Son came to live among us.

Why did Jesus come? He came because God loves us so much. He came to be close to us, to teach us, and to save us. When we remember His birth, our hearts fill up with joy and thankfulness. We can say thank You to God for sending us such a gift.

Salutation to Your birth, O Flower Who blossomed without water.

Saint Demetrius, the Brave Teacher

Today we also remember a brave saint named Demetrius (say it: deh-MEE-tree-us). He lived in a city called Thessalonica, far away and long ago. He was a Christian, and he had studied many things, but most of all he loved learning about God and His Church.

Demetrius could not keep such good news to himself. Everywhere he went, he taught people about our Lord Jesus Christ. So many people listened and came to love God because of him! He was kind, and he was not afraid to tell the truth.

There was a strong fighter whom no one could beat, and the ruler was very proud of him. A Christian man named Bastius came to Demetrius and asked him to pray. Demetrius prayed and made the sign of the Cross over him. Then Bastius went and won the contest, because God was helping him! Everyone could see how God gives strength to those who trust in Him.

The ruler was not happy that Demetrius taught about Jesus. Wicked men were unkind to Demetrius and tried to make him stop, but he would not stop loving God. In the end he gave his life rather than turn away from Jesus, and so we call him a martyr. He was not afraid, because he knew he was going home to God.

And here is the joyful part. God did not let his friends forget him. Long after, God showed them where his body rested, and they built a beautiful church for him. To this day a sweet-smelling oil flows there, and many sick people who pray with faith get well. God still does kind and surprising things through His friend Demetrius.

Do whatever you please, for I will worship only our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, Who is God in truth.— Saint Demetrius

Saint Sakter and His Faithful Helper

On this day we also remember Saint Sakter (say it: SAK-ter), who was a martyr and a friend of Saint Demetrius. Like Demetrius, Sakter loved God with his whole heart and stayed faithful to Him no matter what.

Sakter had a helper who loved God too. This good helper stayed beside Sakter and was brave right to the end. Both of them died as martyrs, holding on to their faith in Jesus.

We thank God for friends like these, who helped each other be brave and never let go of God's hand. They remind us that we, too, can help our friends do what is right. Now Sakter and his faithful helper are safe and happy forever with God in heaven.