Yekatit 23 — March 02

Saint Eusebius, the Brave Soldier

Today we remember Saint Eusebius (say it: yoo-SEE-bee-us). His father was a good man named Basilides, the captain of the king's soldiers in a big city called Antioch. Eusebius grew up to be a soldier too, strong and brave.

One day Eusebius heard some sad news. A ruler named Diocletian had turned away from God and was telling people to bow down to statues instead. These statues are called idols, things people pray to that are not the true God. The news grieved Eusebius, because he loved our Lord Jesus Christ with all his heart.

So Eusebius gathered his cousins and friends who also loved God: 'Abadir, Justus, Claudius, and Theodore. He told them what was happening. Then he said brave and loving words. He would stay true to Jesus, he promised, no matter what came. One by one, his friends promised the very same thing. They would be faithful to God together.

The ruler tried to make Eusebius bow to an idol named Apollo. Eusebius would not. He loved God far too much. So he was sent away to the land of Egypt, and wicked men there hurt him because he would not stop loving Jesus.

But God did not leave Eusebius alone. God sent His angel to make him strong, to comfort him, and to heal his wounds until he was well again. The angel even showed him the beautiful home God had ready in heaven, with his father and brother and family there. His heart overflowed with joy. Eusebius gave his life for God and died a martyr, faithful even when it cost him everything. He was not afraid, because he knew he was going home to God, to receive his crown in heaven.

I want to give everything for the Name of Christ.— Saint Eusebius

God's angel came down and made him strong, and healed his wounds, and his soul rejoiced.

Saint 'Awsegneyos, the Helper

Today we also remember a faithful man named 'Awsegneyos (say it: aw-seg-NEH-yos). He led a council, which is a group of wise people who met together to make good choices for God's church.

'Awsegneyos was a helper to a holy man named Theodore in the lands of the East. A good helper stands beside another person and shares in the important work. 'Awsegneyos served God faithfully, and we remember him with thanks today.

A Greeting for Saint Agapetus

On this day we also send a loving greeting to Saint Agapetus (say it: ah-gah-PEE-tus). The old book gives him a special hello, called a salutation. It is like saying, "We remember you, and we thank you for loving God."

We know only a little about him, but we are glad to greet this saint, and to ask all of God's saints to pray for us.