Yekatit 28 — March 07

Saint Theodore the Roman, Who Was Brave for Jesus

Today we remember a brave saint named Theodore (you can say it THEE-oh-dore). He came from a city called Astir, a long, long time ago.

In those days, two rulers told everyone they had to bow down to idols, which were statues that some people prayed to instead of praying to the real God. The rulers heard that Theodore would not do this, so they brought him before them and told him to bow to the idols.

But Theodore was not afraid. He loved God with his whole heart, and he said he would only ever worship the one true God who made the heavens and the earth and everything in them.

The rulers tried to change his mind. They promised him riches and honors if he would only bow to their idols. But Theodore said no. He knew that nothing in the whole world was better than staying close to Jesus.

Because Theodore would not stop loving God, the rulers hurt him. In the end he died, and he became a martyr, a friend of God who stayed faithful even when it cost him his life. Theodore was brave the whole time, because Jesus gave him strength, and he knew he was going home to live with God forever. We call this his crown, a beautiful gift from God in heaven. We send our love and a happy greeting to Theodore.

I will worship my Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, who made the heavens, and the earth, and all that is in them.— Saint Theodore

A Greeting to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob

We also say hello and send our love to three special friends of God from long ago: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. (You can say them AY-bra-ham, EYE-zik, and JAY-kub.)

Abraham was a grandfather of God's people. He trusted God and followed Him wherever He led. Isaac was his son, and Jacob was his grandson. God made big, happy promises to these three men, and He always kept them.

We remember them, and we thank God for taking care of His people in every time, even very long ago.

A Greeting to the Friends of Theodore

Last of all, we send a warm greeting to the friends of Saint Theodore. They loved God too, and they stayed close to Theodore and to Jesus.

What a gift it is to have friends who love God. They help us pray, they cheer us up, and together we can all be brave. Today we thank God for good friends who help us stay close to Him.