Yekatit 25 — March 04

Ausanius, Philemon, and Likaia

Long ago there were three friends named Ausanius (say it: Aw-SAY-nee-us), Philemon (FY-leh-mon), and a young woman named Likaia (Lih-KY-ah). They learned about Jesus from Paul the Apostle, one of Jesus' closest helpers, who traveled all over the world to tell people the good news of God. Paul was teaching in a place called Phrygia, and when these three heard about Jesus, they believed with all their hearts.

In that city, many people did not know God yet. Instead, they prayed to a statue called an idol. An idol is only stone or metal, made to look like a god, but it cannot see or hear or help anyone. The three friends loved the real, living God. They went to the holy Church of Christ and sang praises and thanked Jesus together, full of joy.

Some people did not like that the friends followed Jesus, and treated them unkindly. But Ausanius, Philemon, and Likaia were not afraid. They prayed and asked God to take care of them, and God welcomed them home to heaven, where they live with Him forever. They never let go of God, even when it cost them their lives, and that is why we call them martyrs. Their story is so loved that it is written down in a special book of the apostles called the Gadla Hawaryat.

When they heard about Jesus, the love of God grew big and bright inside their hearts.

Kona, Minas, and Delmadius

We remember three more brave saints who loved God. Kona (KOH-nah) was a deacon in the great city of Rome, one of the helpers who serve God's people in the church. Minas (MEE-nas) came from a city called Kus, and Delmadius (Del-MAY-dee-us) came from a city called Gaza.

These three stayed faithful to Jesus right to the end, and they became martyrs too. They were brave because they knew God loved them and was holding them close. Now they are safe and happy with God in heaven. We say a glad hello to Kona, Minas, and Delmadius, and we ask them to pray for us.

A Greeting to Kumuta and Antonius

The Church also sends a loving greeting to two more saints, named Kumuta (Koo-MOO-tah) and Antonius (An-TOH-nee-us). We do not know many stories about them. But God knows every one of His friends by name, and He never forgets a single one. We say a happy hello to Kumuta and Antonius, and we thank God for all the people who loved Him long ago.

Damayelnos, Reginos, and Antony (Raweh)

Last of all, we remember three more of God's faithful friends. Damayelnos (Dah-mah-YEL-nos) and Reginos (Reh-GEE-nos) loved God and stayed true to Him, and they became martyrs.

We also remember a man named Antony, who was also called Raweh (RAH-weh). He was one of the well-known leaders of the Arab people. Antony went looking for the truth, and he found God, and came to love Him. His story shows us that God calls people from every land and every family to be His own. God's love reaches everyone, everywhere.

God knows each of His friends by name, and He calls people from every land to come close to Him.