Yekatit 18 — February 25

Melanius, the Brave Teacher of Antioch

Today we remember a kind and wise church father named Melanius (say it like "meh-LAY-nee-us"). He was the archbishop of a big city called Antioch, which means he watched over all the churches there. Melanius knew a great deal about God, yet he stayed gentle and simple, and everyone who met him loved him.

In those days some people were teaching a wrong idea. They said that Jesus, the Son of God, was not truly equal to God the Father. But that is not so! Melanius taught the real truth: the Son is just as great as the Father, the same God, forever. He made it plain so that no one would stay confused.

The king back then believed the wrong idea, and he did not like what Melanius taught. So he sent Melanius far away from his city. But the people of Antioch missed their good teacher terribly. They wrote a letter begging for him back, and the king let him come home.

Melanius kept right on teaching the truth, bravely and lovingly. This time the king sent him even farther away. Melanius was not sad or lonely, though. He wrote letters home, full of teaching about God, and his words traveled all the way to Antioch to help his people. Even from far off, he was still their teacher.

Melanius lived many years this way and then died peacefully, still loving God. On his special day, a famous teacher named John stood up to praise him. People called John "Golden Mouth," because his words were so beautiful. He said Melanius had been as brave and faithful as the great helpers of Jesus long ago. Melanius shows us that we can always be brave and tell the truth about God, no matter what.

The Son is the same God as the Father, equal to Him forever.

Even when he was far from home, Melanius kept teaching his people through his loving letters.