Tir 16 — January 24

Saint Philotheus, the Lover of God

Today we remember a boy named Philotheus (say it: fih-LOH-thee-us). His name means "lover of God," and that is just what he became!

Philotheus grew up in a city called Antioch. His family did not yet know about God. Instead, they bowed down to a big bull and treated it like a king. But even as a young boy, Philotheus felt sure that there was a true God somewhere, much greater than any animal.

One day he looked up at the bright sun and asked, "Are you God?" A gentle voice answered him from heaven. It said the sun was not God either. The sun was only one of God's helpers, made by God. Then God sent an angel to teach Philotheus the whole story: how God made the world, and how Jesus came to save us. Philotheus was so happy. From that day he prayed, ate simple food, and shared with people who were poor.

When his family learned the truth too, they were baptized and became Christians with him. God gave Philotheus a special gift: when he prayed, sick people got well.

Later a powerful ruler told Philotheus to stop loving Jesus and to bow to an idol instead. Philotheus said no, no matter what. He kept loving God even when it cost him his life, and so he became a martyr. He was not afraid, because he knew he was going home to God.

I am not God, but I am the servant and messenger of God, Whom you do not yet know.— the voice from heaven

The Brave Soldiers Who Loved God Too

Philotheus was not the only brave one that day. Many soldiers, along with three of their leaders, saw how Philotheus trusted God. They decided that they loved God too, and they would not stop believing, no matter what.

These soldiers stayed faithful to the end and became martyrs with him. We remember them today because they were courageous and true. Now they live forever with God in heaven, where there is no more sadness and no more fear.

Saint Cyriacus and His Mother Julitta

We also remember a mother named Julitta (say it: joo-LIT-ta) and her little son, Cyriacus (say it: sih-RY-uh-kus). Even though Cyriacus was very young, he loved Jesus with his whole heart, just like his mother taught him.

Long ago, when it was hard to be a Christian, this brave mother and her small boy stayed faithful to God together. They never stopped loving Him, and they became martyrs. Many other faithful people stood with them too.

It is a beautiful thing to think about: a mother and her child, holding on to God's hand together. Now they are safe and joyful with Him in heaven forever.

Salutation to Julitta, the mother of Cyriacus.

Abba Palladius and the Boat in the Storm

Abba Palladius (say it: pa-LAY-dee-us) was a holy father who prayed quietly in one little room for fifty years. God gave him the gift to know things before they happened and to heal the sick, and people everywhere heard about him.

One day a merchant was sailing on a ship when a big storm came and huge waves nearly sank the boat. Frightened, the merchant prayed, "Please, by the prayers of Abba Palladius, save me!" Suddenly he saw Palladius himself steering the ship safely to shore. God had heard the prayer.

The thankful merchant brought one hundred gold coins to give to Palladius. But the kind monk said he did not need gold. The merchant should give it to people who were poor instead. Palladius kept only one coin, as a happy little blessing.

Sadly, a dishonest traveling companion later hurt the merchant out of greed for the money, and tried to make people blame Palladius. But God showed everyone the truth, and gentle Palladius was set free. He kept serving God and lived to a good old age. We also send a loving greeting to his faithful helper, Theophilus.

I have no need of this gold. Go and share it with the poor and the needy.— Abba Palladius

Saint Sahma, One of the Nine Saints

Today we also honor Saint Sahma, who was one of the famous Nine Saints. (The Nine Saints were holy travelers who came long ago to help teach the people of Ethiopia about Jesus.)

Saint Sahma "fought a good fight," which means he tried his very best to love God and do what is right his whole life long. And he made God happy. That is something we can try to do every single day too.

Abba John the Merciful, Friend of the Poor

Abba John became a monk when he was young and prayed in the quiet desert. He worked hard and loved God so much that, when the church needed a new leader, God chose him to be the archbishop of the great city of Alexandria. As archbishop, he watched over many churches at once.

John cared for God's people with all his heart. He read them God's word and helped them do good. But what people remember most is how very, very kind he was. When a terrible famine came and there was almost no food, hungry people came to his door each morning and evening, and John fed them all, until God sent help again.

He built many beautiful churches and gave so much to people who were poor, the widows, and the children with no parents. That is why everyone began to call him "John the Merciful." Merciful means full of kindness and care.

When John was old, he peacefully told his friends that he would go home to God on the very same day he had been born and made archbishop. And on that day, after serving for twenty-three years, he gently died and went to be with the Lord he loved.

Because he gave so much to the poor and the needy, this father was called "John the Merciful."

Mar Daniel the Syrian

Mar Daniel came from a family with lots of gold and silver, but he chose to give his life to God instead. A kind bishop raised him, taught him God's books, and helped him become a monk. Daniel prayed and went without food for days at a time, and God gave him the gift of healing sick people.

One day a man brought gold to give to Daniel, but his greedy companion hurt him along the way to take the money. The companion then tried to make people blame Daniel for it. The king had Daniel brought before him to ask what happened, and Daniel said gently, "I did not do this."

Then God answered Daniel's prayer, so that the whole truth came out and everyone could see that Daniel had done nothing wrong. When the king and the people saw God's power, they began to worship the true God. The grateful king built a monastery for Daniel, and many monks came to pray there with him. Daniel served God faithfully, grew old, and died in peace.