Tir 2 — January 10

Abel, the Good Shepherd Boy

Long, long ago, at the very beginning of the world, the first people were Adam and Eve. They had two sons named Cain and Abel. Cain liked to grow plants in the ground. Abel took care of sheep and was gentle and kind.

One day the two brothers each brought a gift to God to say thank you. Abel gave his very best, with a loving and trusting heart, and God was glad. The Bible tells us Abel was righteous. That means he tried hard to do what is right and to love God.

But Cain grew jealous of his brother. To be jealous is to feel upset because someone else has something good. Cain let that unhappy feeling grow bigger and bigger inside him, until he hurt Abel so badly that Abel died. It made God and the whole family very sad. Abel had done nothing wrong at all.

Here is the happy part. As soon as Abel died, God's angels came to comfort his father, Adam. They told him Abel was safe now, at peace with God in a beautiful place. Abel was the very first person ever to go and be with God in heaven. His gentle, faithful heart is remembered forever, and even today we say a kind greeting to Abel, whose gift God loved.

Good news for you, father of the world! Your son Abel rests in peace, and his gift has gone up to God.— what the angels told Adam

Hellanicus, the Brave Bishop

Hellanicus (you can say it hel-LAN-i-cus) was a bishop. A bishop is a special leader who takes care of the churches and helps everyone learn about God. Hellanicus loved teaching the people in his town all about Jesus.

In those days there was a king named Diocletian who did not want people to follow Jesus. He sent soldiers to stop Hellanicus. When the brave bishop heard the soldiers were coming, he was not afraid. First, he gathered all his people in church one last time. He gave them the Holy Communion, the Body and Blood of Christ, so they would feel close to God and strong.

Then Hellanicus walked out to the soldiers himself. Cruel men hurt him because he would not stop teaching about Jesus, and he died for his faith. He was not afraid. He knew he was going home to God.

After he died, kind friends of God cared for his body and kept it safe. Later they built a church in his honor, and people came there to pray and to thank God for his faithful friend Hellanicus.

Theonas, Who Built a Church for Mary

Theonas (say it thee-OH-nas) was an archbishop in the big city of Alexandria. An archbishop is a leader who takes care of many churches. Theonas was wise and kind, and everyone loved him because he taught so well.

In his time, many people who loved Jesus had to pray quietly in little hidden caves, because some rulers did not want them to worship God. Theonas spoke gently with people until at last they let him build churches out in the open. He even built a church for our holy Lady, the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus. Many people learned about God and were baptized.

Theonas also taught a young man named Peter, helping him slowly grow up to be a good church leader after him. Theonas served God faithfully for twenty-eight years and then died in peace. We remember Theonas, who baptized Peter.

The Church of Saint Mary Is Blessed

On this day there is also a happy celebration. A church for our holy Lady, the Virgin Mary, was blessed and made holy in the monastery of Abba Sinoda, a quiet home where people pray together.

It was a joyful day for everyone, with a special prayer to make the church ready for worshiping God. We say a glad greeting for the blessing of Mary's church.

Salutation to the consecration of your church, O Mary.

Philotheus and His Many Faithful Friends

We also remember a very large group of people who loved God with all their hearts. Their leader was named Philotheus (say it fy-LOH-thee-us). There were so many of them that together they were like a whole town full of faithful friends.

These brave people would not stop loving and following Jesus, no matter what. They stayed true to God right to the end, and they gave their lives for him, all together. Their story is sad, but it is full of hope too, because they are with God now, happy and safe forever. We thank God for giving so many people such brave and loving hearts.