Tir 4 — January 12

Saint John the Apostle and Evangelist

Today we remember Saint John, one of Jesus' twelve apostles, the close friends Jesus chose to help him. John was also an evangelist. That means he wrote down the good news about Jesus so everyone could read it.

John was given the job of going far away to a land called Asia to teach people about God. He felt sad and even cried, because the people there did not know God yet. But Jesus gave him courage, so he set out with his helper, a young man named Prochorus.

Their ship was caught in a big storm and broke apart at sea. John held onto a piece of wood and floated on the waves for many days. He prayed and trusted God the whole time. At last God brought him safely to the very island where Prochorus was waiting, and the two friends hugged and thanked God for keeping them safe.

In a city called Ephesus, John worked hard tending a fire to heat water for baths, even though the people there were unkind to him. Then a sad thing happened. A young man died. John gently said, "Do not be afraid," made the sign of the Cross, and prayed, and God brought the young man back to life. After that, many people, even those who had been mean, came to love Jesus and were baptized.

God answered John's prayers again and again. He freed a boy who was troubled by an evil spirit, simply by praying and trusting that God is always stronger. He healed a man who had not been able to get up for twelve years. Because of John, the whole city learned to love God.

John lived to be very old: ninety years. He wrote one of the four Gospels, three letters, and the book of Revelation. He was the friend who leaned close to Jesus at the Last Supper, and he stood beside Jesus' mother Mary at the Cross. When his life on earth was finished, God took him home gently and quietly, and everyone praised God.

Behold thy mother.— the words of Jesus to John, John 19:27

Fear not, neither be thou sorrowful.— Saint John, before God raised the young man

More Friends of God We Remember Today

We also remember George, and Matena the Archbishop, who watched over many churches. We remember Theodora, who stayed faithful to God even when it was very hard, and Abba Likanos, a holy man who gave his days to quiet prayer.

And we remember Abba Nardos, a gentle monk who once met a dangerous snake. Instead of reaching for a stick, he simply prayed, and God sent the snake away. Abba Nardos loved praying so much that he would stand and pray for a very, very long time. He shows us that talking to God is the best thing we can do.

Sabela, Who Read the Dreams

Today we also send a greeting to Sabela, who was also called Sybil. Long ago, nine wise men in Rome had special dreams they could not understand. They told their dreams to Sabela, and God helped her explain what they meant. She reminds us that God gives wisdom to those who listen to Him.