Tir 5 — January 13

Eusegnius, the Kind Soldier

Long ago there was a soldier named Eusegnius (you can say it ew-SEG-nee-us). He served in the army of a great king called Constantine. Eusegnius loved God very much, and he was always sharing what he had with people who were poor or hungry.

One day, before Constantine believed in Jesus, he saw a sign in the sky: a shining cross among the stars. He did not know what it meant. Brave Eusegnius stepped forward and told him, "This is the sign of our Lord Jesus Christ." Soon after, the king won a big battle. He became a Christian and helped many people learn about God.

Eusegnius lived a very, very long life, more than a hundred years. When he was a kind old man, he saw two people arguing in the city of Antioch. He gently helped them stop fighting and become friends again. But a mean person told a new king that Eusegnius had no right to make peace, and the king was angry that Eusegnius worshiped the one true God instead of pretend gods made of stone.

The king hurt Eusegnius because he would not stop loving God, and Eusegnius gave his life rather than turn away. He was not afraid. He asked to pray one last prayer, and then God took him home to heaven to be with all the saints.

This is the sign of our Lord Jesus Christ.— Eusegnius, pointing to the cross in the sky

Abba Matthew, the Doubly Blessed

Abba Matthew came from a family who loved God. Before he was even born, a holy bishop, one of the leaders who care for the churches, met his mother and told her that her child would shine like a bright star and teach people about God.

When Matthew grew up, he wanted to give his whole life to prayer. So he went to live in a monastery, a peaceful home where people pray together, and he worked hard for God. He was so gentle and wise that everyone could see God was with him.

One day, while Matthew was praying at the holy Communion, God let him see the Lord Jesus, like a little child, resting right there on the altar. It filled his heart with love and joy, and he thanked God for such a gift.

Abba Matthew was so humble that he did not want everyone to praise him. But the other church leaders all saw signs from God that Matthew should become their archbishop, the leader of all the churches in the great city of Alexandria. When they made him archbishop, a voice from heaven called out, "He is worthy!" three times.

God gave Abba Matthew the gift of healing. He prayed, and sick people got well. He even helped people who had died come back to life through his prayers! Near the end of his life, our Lady Mary came to comfort him and told him he would soon rest. After blessing all the people who loved Jesus, Abba Matthew quietly went home to God.

Glory be to Thee, O God, Who hast given unto us sons of men this great gift.— Abba Matthew, after seeing the Lord at Communion

He is worthy, he is worthy, he is worthy.— a voice from heaven

More Friends of God

Today we also remember some other brave saints who loved God with all their hearts. Their names are Yarewenyos, Negirus (who is also called Longinus) from the city of Rome, a kind woman named Alexandra, and 'Awshia. Many other faithful men and women are remembered too.

All of them stayed close to God and trusted Him no matter what. Now they live happily forever in heaven, and we ask them to pray for us.