Yekatit 7 — February 14

Abba Alexander, the Brave Archbishop

Abba Alexander was a holy father who first lived in a monastery, a quiet home where people pray together. The name of his monastery meant "Home of the Fathers." Because he was so good and wise, God chose him to be the archbishop of a great city called Alexandria. An archbishop takes care of many churches, and Abba Alexander was the forty-third archbishop of that city.

Abba Alexander loved God with all his heart, and he had a kind, learned mind. But his time as archbishop was very hard. Some rulers of the land were unkind to God's people and tried to take money and treasures from the churches. They put Abba Alexander in trouble again and again, and he had to ask the people for help to keep the churches safe.

Once, a faraway monk found jars full of gold hidden in his monastery, and he sent some of it to help Abba Alexander, because God's people love to share. God took care of His servant even in hard days.

There was also another good church father named Abba Anastasius. His own people were unkind to him because he loved his fellow believers. So he came to Abba Alexander, who welcomed him warmly and gave him work caring for God's people. Abba Alexander led his churches well for almost twenty-five years, and then he died in peace, going home to God.

I have no possessions whatsoever of this fleeting world.— Abba Alexander

Abba Theodore, the Gentle Teacher

Abba Theodore was another holy father who became archbishop of Alexandria. He was the forty-fifth archbishop of that city. When he was young, he lived as a monk near a town called Mareotis. His wise teacher could tell, with God's help, that little Theodore would one day be a great leader of the churches, and he told the people so.

Abba Theodore loved God very much and lived a simple life. He did not wear soft, fancy clothes; he wore rough cloth so he would always remember to be humble. He was gentle and kind, and he never thought himself better than anyone else.

When God chose him to be archbishop, Abba Theodore took good care of God's people, just like a shepherd takes care of his sheep. He read them the Bible every single day, and even more on Sundays and feast days, so they would know how much God loves them.

In all his days there was peace and quiet. No one was fighting, and the churches grew strong and happy. Abba Theodore led the people for fourteen and a half years, doing his work faithfully, and then he died in peace.

The Hermit Who Comforted Abba Ebeloy

Today we also remember a special desert monk, called a hermit, someone who lives all alone with God in a quiet, faraway place. This holy man lived by himself in the desert for seventy whole years and never once saw another person's face! He spent all that time praying and being close to God.

Even though he lived far away from everyone, God sent him to comfort and cheer another holy man named Abba Ebeloy. This shows us that no one is ever truly alone when they are with God, and that God's friends help one another.

Four More Faithful Friends of God

On this day we also remember four more saints by name: Abraken, Abadir, Abarianus, and Nebdalms. We do not know many stories about them, but the Church keeps their names so we never forget them.

They loved God and stayed faithful to Him, and now they are at home with Him forever. We thank God for every one of His friends, even the ones whose stories are quiet.