Book of Saints: Recent Episodes
St John Chrysostom Coptic OC
The Book of Saints, produced by St. John Chrysostom Coptic Orthodox Church, Laguna Niguel, California. May their prayers be with us all, amen.
On the 13th day of the Blessed month of Tuba we celebrate the lives of; Pistis, Helpis, Agape and their mother Sophia. St. Sophia was from a rich and noble family of Antioch. God granted her three beautiful daughters whom she named; Pistis which means faith, Helpis which means hope, and Agape which means love. Their mother's name, Sophia, means wisdom.
Sophia took her three daughters to Rome to teach them the church subjects and to worship. When the report reached Emperor Hadrian, he summoned them. He tried to force them to forsake their Christian faith. Seeing them only as little children, he at first felt quite confident in his ability to convert them. However, their mother encouraged them to be steadfast in their faith of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Pistis was twelve years old. Helpis was eleven years old. And little Agape was only nine. When the emperor saw their dedication to the faith he grew angry. Enraged at their commitment to Christ he set out to torture them one by one. He first tortured the older child Pistis. He had his guards tear at her body with whips, then cast her into a fiery furnace until finally they beheaded her. But during that torture she did not waver once.
The Emperor then commanded the guards to torture the next daughter, Helpis. He ordered the guards to comb her body with hot sharp iron combs, then struck her neck with the sword. All of this happened in the viewing of the youngest sister Agape. The Emperor, as well as his guards, we're convinced the little girl was terrified, and therefore willing to recant her Christian faith. To their amazement, she did not. Overcome by sheer rage the Emperor ordered the guards to cast her into a fiery furnace, crush her body, and then finally beheaded her.
During this horrific ordeal the blessed and beautiful Sophia prayed earnestly for the salvation of her children. She rejoiced exceedingly and thanked the Lord that her daughters had been steadfast in their faith and received the crowns of martyrdom. They had become brides to the Lord Jesus Christ. She took their bodies and shrouded them with expensive shrouds. She then asked the Lord to receive her spirit and the Lord hearkened to her prayer and she delivered her pure spirit into the hand of the Lord. The believers took their bodies and buried them with great honor..
Lessons from this story
This is a very hard story to hear. Any parent would be disturbed by these images. But there's no way to tell her story without showcasing what each of the daughters witnessed and endured. And though we of course celebrate the strength these little girls held in the face of such a horrible behavior, we must focus on the sheer importance their mother played in their salvation. There is no greater blessing than being a parent. But in truth, there are times of no greater source of frustration, aggravation, and fear.
Our role as a mother or a father is to highlight the beauty, the truth, and the power a deep Christian faith brings to the individual. Children this day are bombarded with messages that have nothing to do with a Christian life. Virginity is more than just the Purity of the body, it's the purity of knowledge. For when we recall the story of Adam and Eve, they lived in purity because they knew not the difference of good and evil. They lived a life according to their first nature, which was created out of an abundance of love. They enjoyed a life without hardship, walking daily content and without any temptation whatsoever.
The hardest thing for a parent is balancing work life and a family life. But not time with the family born out of an obligation, for a child knows when you are not really enjoying their company. But to see the true joy of time with our children. For one thing that is glaringly obvious about this telling of Sophia's story, that the thief in the night can come at any time.
No one can fault a mother or a father for being tired at the end of a hard-working day. And I can promise you this, if you make some small effort to spend time with them, even when you're really really tired, they will truly appreciate that effort.
My wife and I run a small business, a seasonal business. So there are about 3 to 4 months out of the year I come home, after working 12-14 hours that day, so tired all I want to do is just fall down. But I had three little children that wanted to play with their daddy. So when I got home, I would just fall down on the ground. And let the kids play. I would try to grab them and they would run, I would crawl around on the floor and they would ride me like a horse, very little effort really, but very impactful. A simple story? Of course. But Each of us who have children know that it's not the big efforts that make the most impact, it's the little efforts when they know we have no energy left, that they will never forget.
Going to church, Reading the Bible together, asking about their day, making yourself available to help them with their homework, even though sometimes we're not really able to help that much, all of this helps to make sure the tree grows straight and true. Roots deeply grounded in a strong faith so they too may someday produce sweet fruit.
So when we think about what St. Sophia knew was happening with her children, she did what a lot of us parents do, we let go and we pray day and night, saying “please God give them strength to fight this world so they may enjoy eternal life with you.”
Prayer
Thank you God for this story. Purify our souls, our bodies, our spirits, our hearts, our eyes, our understanding, our thoughts and our consciences, so that with a pure heart, an enlightened soul, and unashamed countenance, a faith unfeigned, a perfect love, and a firm hope, we may dare with boldness, without fear, pray to you oh Lord, the holy father who is in heaven, for the protection of our children. And glory be to God
On the 23rd day of the Coptic month of Tute we celebrate the life of Saint Thecla, also known as Takla.
On this day the church celebrates the commemoration of the first female martyr, St. Thekla, the bride of Christ. She was a deaconess and a disciple of the apostle Paul. She was an example of virginity and purity and a model for enduring strife and hardships.
Thekla was a very beautiful and well mannered only daughter to honorable pagans. Born and raised in the city of Iconium, a large city in Asia minor, she was to be engaged to one of the noblemen of that city. But when St. Paul came to Iconium, on his first missionary journey between 45 and 50 A.D., Thekla heard his preaching.
She marveled at his teachings and became a follower. Never before had she heard such words, and through these words she discovered and believed in the Lord Jesus Christ. She was baptized and vowed her virginity to the Lord, thus braking off her engagement. For all of her life Thekla believed in the importance of her physical beauty, now she was only concerned for her inner beauty.
Her mother noticed a change in her behavior. She asked her about the secret of this change, thinking that her young daughter had found a new love in her. Thekla indeed had found a new love, and told her mother that she had become Christian and vowed her purity to the Lord Christ. Her mother was enraged and tried to persuade her but Thekla refused. Her mother went to the governor of the city and asked for his assistance. He too tried to convince her to abandon Christianity and return to the worship of idols. Thekla refused to bow before anything or anyone but the Lord Christ. The governor ordered her to be burned to death but a storm put out the flames and she safely escaped death .
Thekla left her city and went looking for St. Paul. She found him and joined him in the city of Antioch. He left her there to serve among the women. The governor of the city seized her, and cast her to the wild beasts. But they did not harm her. Then the governor had her thrown into a pit full of poisonous snakes. They also did not harm her. Both exhausted and limited in intellect to explain such things, he ordered her to be released. St. Paul witnessed the Lord within her, sent her back to her birthplace of Iconium to preach to the people of her city about the life-giving faith. When she realized that her mother was still insisting her to return back to paganism, she left to the city of Tyre in Syria to pursue her ministry. Many believed through her words.
In the later part of her life, she lived in seclusion and contemplation, a perfect life of asceticism. God granted her the gift of healing and many were cured with her prayers. She was 90 years old when the Lord called her to her true home, and her body was buried in Seleucia, the port of Antioch. The church calls her “the martyr without shedding blood.”
Lessons from this story
In the very beginning of this story of a young and beautiful girl, she is referred to as “a model of strife and enduring hardships”. Life presents us with many hardships that are not measured by our physical suffering - which of course many saints have suffered from. But this title points not to the physical suffering for in hearing her story, we see she did not suffer any pain from the attempted tortures. Her struggle, her enduring struggle, was against the first nature of her life.
She left her physical beauty behind her and there is no mention of that life calling to her. But her mother pleaded with her to return to her pagan ways. You can almost imagine her mother showering her with gold, jewels, soft clothing, all the enticements the pagans had to offer. It was probably enough to cause her to leave her home town for the second time and preach in Tyre of Syria.
Our daily lives are bombarded with temptations, via phone, text, email, tv, radio, friends - you name it. There are enough physical attractions in this world to overwhelm any believer. Fasting is not just about food, it's about regaining control over your desires. Does this hamburger have power over me? Absolutely not. Do I really hear the words in this popular song? Do I need to participate in this online attack against a person?
You too can be a bloodless martyr every time you resist a desire to give in to the worldly attractions. And if they start to be too much, get up and walk away to a place or a people that help you see what most can not see. For in saving ourselves, we help others save themselves.
Prayer
May the blessings of her prayers be with us all and help us to not only endure the tempting desires of this physical world, but to be bloodless martyrs for the Will and service of our Lord Jesus Christ. And glory be to God forever, amen.
St Marina the Martyr
On the 23rd day of the Coptic month Abib we celebrate the departure of St. Marina of Antioch.
Marina was born to a wealthy family of pagans in the city of Antioch. She was raised with no knowledge of Christ in her life. Yet at a young age Marina’s parents passed away and she went to live with a nanny, who was a practicing Christian. Each and every night Marina would hear the stories of how ordinary people became martyrs for Jesus Christ. The nanny spoke with such reverence for these “saints” that Marina was inspired and yearned to taste the sweet mercy of the Lord. Though men were drawn to her beauty, she was drawn to a life with God.
And it came to pass that one day Marina was indeed tested and tempted by the Devil’s snares. The governor of Antioch, a rich and powerful man who was accustomed to getting what he wanted, fancied Marina and desired her. But when his soldiers came to her, she told them that she belonged to Jesus Christ. When the governor heard this, he was distressed for he lusted after her with blinding passion. So he had her brought to him by force and offered her to worship his false gods and to forsake the One True God. But she refused.
He demanded to know how she, at such a young age, could defy him for she was only fifteen. To which she replied, “I am Christian. I believe in the Lord Christ, and my name is Marina.”
He made many promises, including marriage, but she still did not bend to his will. She cursed the idols he worshipped and insulted him calling him a fool. He became enraged. He ordered her body to be scraped with hot iron combs, and then rubbed with vinegar, salt and lime. From his selfish and greedy view, if he could not have her then no one will have her. The governor only saw her outwardly beauty. God cares not for the beauty of the ever-dying flesh – but for the eternal growth of our spirit inside.
And through this spirit, strengthened by the Holy Spirit, she endured with patience.
Disgusted by their futility, the governor ordered her to be tossed into prison. Thinking she would die from the wounds they had created. But the Lord God sent an angel to heal all her wounds.
While she was standing up praying, giving thanks to the Lord with her hands extended in the form of a cross, a huge and terrifying serpent came forth. When she saw it she was frightened and her whole body trembled. The serpent swallowed her up, and her soul almost departed from her. She made the sign of the cross and prayed while she was in the belly of the serpent. It split open and fell on the ground dead. Marina was unharmed.
The next morning, the governor ordered her to be brought before him assuming she was dead. When he saw that she was alive and well, he marveled at her trickery. “Your sorcery has become evident today, so listen to me. Worship our gods and much good would be for you, and I will give you all that I have promised you.” To the unbelieving governor, Marina’s healing was the act of sorcery – for that is all he knew. Marina looked at him and at the worthless idols with contempt and proclaimed, “I worship the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, the God of heavens and earth, and whatever you wish to do with me, do, for I will not give into your will.”
Again, angered and frustrated, the governor ordered her hanged on a squeezing wheel, to squeeze the life out of her. And again cast her in prison, assuming she would die. The angel of the Lord came to her, and healed her yet again.
In the midst of her praying and giving thanks to God, the Devil appeared to her and said, “O Marina, if you obey the governor that would be for your good for he is merciless, and he wishes to erase your name from the face of the earth.” Realizing that this vile creature was the Devil, she caught the hair of his head, took an iron rod and beat him. “Stop it O Satan!” She proclaimed. She then bound him with the sign of the cross. The wretched beast said, “I am the one who makes adultery, stealing, blasphemy, and earthly desires, good and desirable to the human. If that fails, I then tempt with laziness, so they will not pray and ask for the forgiveness of sins.” Powerless against the cross and the true believer, he vanished into black smoke.
The governor again saw her healed and again marveled much. He ordered his guards to fill a large cauldron with melted lead, and to immerse her striped body into it. When they did so, she asked the Lord to make this a baptism for her. The Lord sent his angel in the form of a dove. While being immersed in the boiling cauldron, she prayed, “In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, one God Amen.” And a voice from heaven called her and said, “O Marina you have been baptized in the baptismal water.” She rejoiced exceedingly, and those who were present heard what had happened and many believed that day.
Scared of the truth, the governor ordered to cut off all their heads. But for Marina, the executioner took her outside the city and told her, “My lady Marina, I see the angel of the Lord and with him a crown of bright light.” She replied, “I ask you to wait on me until I have prayed.”
She extended her arms and prayed fervently. Then she told the executioner, “Do what you have been ordered to do.” She bowed her neck to the executioner who told her, “I could not do so.” The saint told him, “If you do not, you would not have a share in the Kingdom of God.”
When he heard what she said, he took the sword and cut off her head. He then cut off his own head saying, “I believe in the God of St. Marina.” He fell down beside her and received the crown of martyrdom in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Lessons from this story
Saint Marina was not born Christian, nor baptised Christian until her death. And yet she is today a revered saint. There are many saints we celebrate that were neither born Christian or were baptized. In the Bible, St Paul goes to much effort explaining that Christ did not come for the Jews only, but for the entire human race. Every person, sick or well, rich or poor, and regardless of color. Examine this truth in Genesis. “I promise to every living creature that the earth and those living on it will never again be destroyed by a flood. The rainbow that I have put in the sky will be my sign to you and to every living creature on earth.” (Gen 9:11-13)
The pure light is a spectrum of all colors. In light, every color is found. Further proof, long before the coming of Christ, that God was clearly showing He was the God of all, to all and for all.
Further, the words St Marina heard at a young age, were the Living Word of God. They bring life to all who hear them. And through this Living Word was she made strong in the faith. Take time each day to read the Bible. Let the Word of God speak directly to you. For all you will ever need from this life is found in these Words of Life.
Prayer
Lord, help us always be strong in our faith in you against all those challenges we know we will face. That there exists no darkness that can ever extinguish the light that emanates from You. May the blessings and prayers of St Marina of Antioch be with us always. Amen.
St Colluthus of Antinoe
On the 23rd day of the Coptic month of Bashons we celebrate the life of Saint Colluthus of Antinoe.
Colluthus was the son of God fearing parents. His father was a governor over the city of Antinoe, and before Colluthus was born, his father prayed to the Lord Jesus to grant him a son, and God did. He taught him the Christian principles, the church doctrine and Colluthus was pure from his youth. His father wanted him to get married, but he did not accept. However, his sister was married to Arianus who became the governor after her father. When the his parents departed, he built a place for strangers to stay. He also studied medicine and practiced it to cure the sick without charging them money.
When Emperor Diocletian apostatized, Arianus the governor followed him to keep his position, and started to persecute Christians. Then Colluthus rebuked him for forsaking the worship of the one True God, and Colluthus cursed the idols of the Emperor. Arianus did not hurt him for the sake of his sister, but he sent him to the governor of El-Bahnasa, where he was put in prison for three years. His sister meditated for his release until another governor took over who threatened Colluthus and tortured him. The angel of the lord came to him to comfort and strengthen him, until at last, the governor cut off his head. He was granted the crown of Martyrdom. His family prepared his body for burial and kept him in a place until the end of the persecution, when they built a church to honor him.
Lessons from this story
In the parable of the sower, there are four sets of seeds; those that fall to the wayside and are eaten by birds, those that fall on stony ground, grow without deep roots and wither in the sun, those that fall in thorny bush and are strangled as they grow, and lastly those that fall on good ground and grow deep roots.
This parable is an allegory for believers. In comparing St Colluthus to his brother-in-law, there are two of these above mentioned seeds. St Colluthus representing the seeds that fall on good ground and grow with deep roots, yielding crops versus his brother-in-law Arianus who is like the seeds on stony ground. His faith grew for a little while, but when the sun came (Diocletian) his faith withered away.
History is filled with these examples, even among ourselves we see some who grow deep in the faith, while others are caught up in the world (strangled by the thorny bush) or whose faith was only superficial like St Colluthus’s brother-in-law. Faith is not an academic pursuit, though knowing the lives of saints, the scriptures and church writings are important, we must remember that we are blessed with a wealth of resources to help us understand our faith in depth. But these early saints had none of that. Their faith was derived wholly from an inner peace of knowledge, not mentally, but emotionally. They knew the faith by feeling the faith, breathing the faith and living the faith.
We make an effort to make these stories relevant in your daily life to reinforce the importance of personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Not just the church, not just the family and friends in the church, but Jesus Christ above all. As you continue to grow, to learn, to mature in your spiritual life always remember if the only thing you know, the only thing hold dear is your trust in Jesus Christ, then no matter what happens here you will be safe there.
Prayer
Oh God you are the great teacher who guides us through this world along the ever-narrowing path that leads to eternal life. Surround us always with your angels and saints that they may pray on our behalf to eventually bet met at the door by the thief on the right who says “welcome.” May the prayers of St Colluthus be with us all, amen.
St George, friend of St Abraam
On the 18th day of the Coptic month of Bashons we celebrate the life of St George, the friend to St Abraam.
George, the companion of St. Abraam, was a shepherd for his father’s herd, who were saintly Christian parents. As he desired becoming a monk, he left his family when he was only fourteen years old. He went to the wilderness of St. Macarius. While he was walking on the road, the devil appeared to him in the form of an old man and said, "Your father thought that a wild beast had killed you, and he rent his garment, grieving over you. You should return to him and comfort his heart. Then return to the wilderness". George was astonished at this revelation. Saying to himself: "The Bible says: 'He who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me.'" And when he said that, the devil became like smoke and fled from him. Immediately, the angel of the Lord in the form of a monk appeared to him, and guided him to the monastery of Abba Orion. He remained there for ten years, not eating any cooked food, fruit or wine.
He then desired to live alone in the inner wilderness and went to the monastery of the Roman Saints Maximus and Domadius in Scetis. At the same time, St. Abraam arrived to the monastery. They went together to the monastery of St. Macarius and met St. Yoannis, the archpriest of Sheahat. He gave them a cell close by him to live in, which was known as the cell of Bageeg, where St. Abraam departed. Shortly after George also departed. He was seventy-two years old.
Lessons from this story
What a comparative experience this young boy had. Having left his home at the young age of 14 years, he would not have the knowledge nor the learned discernment to know a devil from an angel - for both appeared to him in a similar form. One an elderly man, the other a monk. Only his knowledge of the Bible helped to know which was true guide and which was false prophet.
In our daily lives we interact with all types of people. For business, for pleasure, during service, or a multitude of other situations. It is virtually impossible to know who would guide us correctly and who would led us astray. Most people's intentions can be figured out pretty quick, but sometimes we are often completely shocked or unprepared for a person’s intentions.
Living a prayerful life, inviting God the Father into every aspect of our life is a sure fire way to make sure no ill intentions befall us. Does this mean we will not make bad mistakes? Of course not. God grants us free will. But we should be smart about our requests to God.
God loved Solomon greatly for he “have not asked riches or wealth or honor or the life of your enemies, nor have you asked long life—but have asked wisdom..” (2 Chronicles 1:11) Wisdom is perhaps the greatest gift the Lord God could grant us, more so than riches, power or worldly lusts. Through wisdom we can navigate the world filled with so many temptations that are designed to literally draw us to hell. Even though they appear as minor offenses, each of them is designed to desensitize us to wrongdoing.
In his innocence of the world and being raised by devout Christians, George was well prepared to repel against the temptations of the devil, using his love for his father as a trick to turn George a way from a path of piety and monastic living. But the Lord tickled the memory of George’s knowledge of the Bible and the devil was revealed.
This telling of this saint’s story can help us highlight the importance of daily prayer, daily bible reading and lending our decisions on the guidance of the Lord. There is a saying, “haste makes waste”, this is true for us as well. If we hastily make decisions, they are typically being led by emotions. Don’t be in a rush to make a decision. Pause, pray and wait for the guidance of the Lord.
Prayer
God bless us with wisdom in our daily life. Help to quell the rising emotions this world enrages within us, but to lean on a prayerful direction in all our decisions. May the prayers of St George and his friend St Abraam be with us all amen.
St Leontius the Syrian
On the 1st day of the Coptic month of Paona we celebrate the life of St Leontius the Syrian and the consecration of the church in his name..
This Saint was martyred in the city of Tripoli on the 22nd day of Abib. A Christian woman, the wife of a great nobleman and prominent army commander, gave money to the soldiers to retrieve his holy body. She wrapped it in expensive cloth and laid it in a coffer inside her house. She made a picture of him and she hung a lighted lamp before it.
It happened that Emperor Diocletian became angry with her husband and shut him up in prison in the city of Antioch. She became sad, and prayed to God, and asking St Leontius to intercede on her behalf, to save her husband from prison. God accepted her prayers. St. Leontius appeared to her husband in prison and told him, "Do not grieve or be sorrowful, for you shall be delivered tomorrow, and you shall eat with the Emperor at his table, and shall return safely to your home."
The Saint then went to the Emperor, and woke him up. When the Emperor saw the Saint, he became terrified. The Saint told the Emperor, "I have come to you, O Emperor, to order the release of the army commander. Honor him, and let him go to his house, lest you be destroyed." The Emperor, who was trembling, replied saying, "Whatever you command me, O my lord, I will do." The next morning, the Emperor brought the commander out of prison, honored him, and dined with him at his own table. The Emperor told him about the horseman that appeared to him, then dismissed the former prisoner to return to his hometown.
When he arrived in Tripoli, he told his wife and his family what had happened to him. His wife told him, "The good that happened to you was through the blessings of St. Leontius." Then she uncovered the body of the Saint, and he took the blessing of the Saint. When he saw his face, he realized that he was the one that had appeared to him in prison.
After the death of Diocletian, they built a church in his name, relocated the body to it with great veneration, and that church was consecrated on this day.
Lessons from this story
Relics of the saints are very important to the orthodox church. For those are unfamiliar with this, it means we preserve the bodies of saints and when a church is built, under the auspice of the saint, a small portion of the body, or relic, is honored and painstakingly stored in the new church.
Why? Because God wastes nothing. After the feeding of the 5,000, from five loaves and two fish, Jesus instructed his disciples to gather up all the fragments. Jesus Christ performed a miracle, turning that meager amount of food into a banquet of food for 5,000 people. This miracle was not to be trampled on or discarded, but venerated. So all the fragments were gathered up. We see this same care at the orthodox altar when the body of Christ is shared through communion. If the smallest crumb falls from the paten, the priest stops, the deacons assist and the priest gets down on his hands and knees and either eats the crumb or burns it.
Life is precious to God for all life emanates from Him. When a miracle happens through a saint, that body represents the body of Christ, the presence of God’s power, mercy and grace. These lives of the saints that we share with you are not just their story in the hopes you may emulate or be inspired by them, but a reminder that each one of use has within us the same breath of Life as these saints do. So when you see a priest stopping the congregation to lean over pick up a crumb that has fallen, remember the parable of the lost coin or the lost sheep. As the priest bends down to pick up the piece of the body of Christ, that is exactly what God does for us everyday.
You are always important to Him.
Prayer
Thank you God for your Grace, mercy and Kindness. Help us always appreciate you every aspect of our lives. And may the prayers and intercessions of St Leontius the Syrian be with us all, amen.
St Isaac, Priest of Cyprus
On the 19th day of the Coptic month of Bashons we celebrate the life of Saint Isaac, Priest of Cyprus.
Isaac was born in an Egyptian village to poor parents, but he was rich in his righteous works. When monks from a nearby monastery were in his village selling monk-made crafts, he followed them back to the wilderness. He served them under the yoke of obedience. When he became a monk, he excelled in asceticism and worship to the point that he never possessed two garments at the same time. They asked him once: "Why don't you possess two garments?" He answered: "Because when I was in the world before being a monk, I did not have two garments at the same time."
He wept very often during his prayers, and he mixed his bread with the ashes of the censer and ate it. Once he became sick of a grievous sickness, and some of the brethren brought him food, but he did not eat it. One of the brethren described to him the benefits of food and urged him again to eat some of it. He insisted on not eating anything of it, and said to him: "Believe me my brother that I desire to remain sick for thirty years."
When he became seasoned and everyone heard about his virtues, the fathers by consensus decided to ordain him a priest. He fled and disappeared among the fields. When they were looking for him, they passed by the field, where he was hiding in and sat to rest. They had with them a donkey, which went into the field and stood where the father was. When they went after the donkey to catch it, they found him, and they wanted to bind him so that he could not escape again. He said to them: "I will not escape now, for I know that this is the will of God." He went with them, and they ordained him a priest, and he increased in obedience to the elders and in teaching beginners Christian virtues. When the time of his departure drew near, they asked him: "What can we do after you leave us?" He told them: "Do exactly as you have seen me do, if you wish to remain steadfast in the wilderness", then he departed.
Lessons from this story
Poor Isaac, he had no honor for himself. Born poor, it was easy for him to leave the dust behind and follow the monks into the wilderness and there he served. But the story said “the yoke of obedience”. The word usage implies that Isaac had no honor for himself at all, only the will of the monks he served. A truly distinguishing gift.
Blindly accepting orders from our superiors does not come with a tiny bit of pride swallowing. Our oldest son was preparing to serve in the United States Air Force and I remember a distinct conversation I had with him about absolute acceptance of whatever order is given. That he has to set aside his own reasoning, logic, and self-pride to serve with absolute obedience. It is the main element of a cohesive military. To disagree is a court-martial.
In our daily life we often interact with people who bark commands at us, and we do, in most cases, follow especially job related. But they always come with a bit of tongue-biting. As much as we would like to lash out, we don’t. This “yoke” referenced in St Isaac’s story really implies a hardship was purposefully placed on him, to test his resolve. So it should not come as a shock that when they finally decided to make him a priest, he ran away.
In his letter to St Timothy, St Paul writes, “Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.” Double honor? Poor Isaac fasted so much from his own self-worth that didn’t even have a crumb of honor for himself. And yet, as a priest, he was expected to receive a double portion. It was not the pride he fled from, for pride was a complete stranger to this lowly servant. No it was so ingrained in him that he was unworthy, that to be given honor of the highest order was not for him, unless he knew it was from God.
The greeks have a term called kenosis. It means we must pour ourselves out so that we may more fully receive the will of God. Think of Moses. God knew he had zeal for the Lord. So good put him in the desert for forty years, cleansing him and preparing him to be the full hand of God. Kenosis.
Can we be like this? Can we give up everything and be treated as less than dirt? No doubt it is hard. But remember this, it is to the dirt we must go before we can rise with the Lord.
Prayer
Thank you God for all the gifts we receive from you, even when we are forgetful at the time of receiving them. GIve us the strength to let go so that we may receive you fully oh Lord. May the prayers of St Isaac the Priest of Cyprus be with us all amen.
St Ammonius
On the 20th day of the Coptic month of Bashons we celebrate the life of St Ammonius.
Ammonius was born in the year 294 in a village near Mariot, in Egypt. He was, as St. Antony was, born to a righteous and wealthy Christian family. He lost his parents while he was young and was given to his uncle as his guardian. He longed for the life of purity, chastity, and holiness. Nevertheless, his uncle forced him to be engaged to a rich girl against his will. Since he could not disobey his uncle, he talked to his bride to be, with a spiritual dialogue. With the help of the Holy Spirit, he was able to have a good influence on her. She then longed for the life of purity and it was planted in her heart the desire to consecrate herself as a bride for the True Bridegroom Jesus Christ. Thus they decided to accept the marriage arrangement, but decided to live as brother and sister.
They remained like this for seventeen years, keeping themselves pure and chaste, after which his wife departed to the eternal bliss. Ammonius saw in a vision St. Antony calling him to put on the monastic garb. When he woke from his sleep, he rose up and went to St. Isidore, who put on him the holy garb. He dwelt with him for some time, after which he went to mount Tounah, to be with St. Antony.
Ammonius remained with St. Antony for a time as his disciple, and studied the cannons of holy monasticism. He built for himself a cell in mountain. He fervently worshipped God there, and the devil envied him. He came to him in the form of a nun and knocked on his door. When Ammonius opened the door and asked the devil to pray with him, the devil became like a flame of fire and vanished.
Then the devil found a woman and moved her to entice Ammonius to fall in sin with her. She wore the best of her clothing, came to him at dusk, and knocked on the door of his cell, saying: "I am a traveling woman, and I have lost my way. It is dark now. Please do not let me stay outside lest the wild beasts kill me, and you become responsible for my blood."
When he opened the door and knew the snare of the devil who sent her, he started to preach to her and put the fear in her heart of the tortures of hell which is awaiting sinners. He indicated to her the delight and the bliss which is awaiting the righteous. God opened her heart, and she understood what he said to her. She knelt to his feet weeping and asked him to accept her and assist her in saving her soul. She took off her apparel and he put on her a sackcloth of hair. He cut off her hair and called her "The simple minded or the naive". He taught her the way of righteousness and she excelled through many prayers and fasting, and surpassed many saints by her fasting and perpetual prayers.
The devil tried to snare him again. But this time in the form of a monk who went around in the monasteries weeping and saying: "Father Ammonius the hermit has married and keeps the woman with him in his cell. He has put the monks to shame and has disgraced the monastic garb." When Father Apollo, who was like the angels, heard of that, he took with him Father Yousab and Father Nohi (Bohi), to the cell of Father Ammonius. They knocked on the door of the cell, and when she opened to them they realized the matter. They entered and prayed together as the custom and sat to talk about the greatness of God. At the end of the day, Father Ammonius told them, let us go to see the "Naive One" for she was baking some bread. When they went out to where she was, they saw her standing in the midst of a great fire, and her hands were stretched out towards heaven praying. They marvelled exceedingly and glorified God. After they had eaten the bread, everyone went separately to sleep and the angel of the Lord revealed to Father Apollo the story of the "Naive One" who was staying with St. Ammonius. And that God brought them there to be present at the time of her departure.
About the third hour of the night, she became sick with fever. She knelt down and delivered up her soul at the hand of the Lord. They swathed her, and after praying over her, they buried her. Then Father Ammonius told them about her virtues, and that for the eighteen years that she stayed with him, she never raised her face to look at him, and that her food was bread and salt.
After this, St. Antony sent him to the El-Natroun valley to establish there several new monasteries, and many believers followed him. He organized for them their livelihood and directed them with excellence. Soon after this, the holy father departed in peace.
Lessons from this story
How truly pure and fully devoted was this amazing saint to have lived with two women, at two different times, and never be tempted. Though this telling of the saint’s story does indicate known stories of the devil’s attempts at temptation, it must be understood that the mere combination of a woman in such close and personal quarters with a man is, in itself, challenging.
Consider this, would we allow our daughter to have such an arrangement? A troubling question to ask for sure. To say no, as a parent, is to be mindful of human nature. But in saying no, we do not fully understand the simplistic power St Ammonius had. A pure child-like perspective that this woman (either one) was his sister. Nothing more and nothing less.
Now let us ask the above question with a different lean to it. Would we ever allow our daughter to live with her brother? Well of course. They already do. That answer is the exact way St Ammonius viewed all women, as sisters. He was not a monk because the holy garb he was given by St Isadore. He was not a monk because of the location he chose to live in or the lifestyle he pursued. He was a monk because he lived in the innocence of his childhood with His Father Jesus Christ.
Prayer
God grant us strength to resist the temptations of the devil and bless us with your wisdom to see through his traps. May the prayers and intercessions of St Ammonius be with us all, amen.
St Martha
On the 3rd day of the Coptic month of Paona we celebrate the life of St Martha.
Martha was born in the city of Cairo to wealthy Christian parents. She loved fornication and unchastity in her youth and her works became known. However, the mercy of God from above encompassed her, and moved her to go to church. That was on the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ. When she came to its door however, wishing to go in, the servant delegated to watch the door told her, "It is not right for you to go into the holy church, for you know what you are?" A confrontation took place between them, and when the Bishop heard the clamor, he came to the door of the church to see what had happened. When he saw the girl, he said to her, "Do you not know that the house of God is holy, and only the pure may enter." She wept and said, "Accept me O father, for I am repentant from this instant. I have decided not to go back to my sinful life." The bishop replied, "If it is true what you have said, go and bring back here all your silk clothes and gold ornaments."
She quickly home and brought back all of her possessions and gave them to the Bishop. He ordered that they be burned immediately, then he shaved off the hair of her head. He put on her the monastic garb and sent her to one of the convents. She fought a great spiritual fight, and she frequently said in her prayers: "O Lord, if I could not bear the disgrace from the servant of Your house, so please do not put me to shame before Your angels and saints." She continued the spiritual fight for twenty-five years, during which she did not go out of the door of the convent, until she departed in peace.
Lessons from this story
“Who shall cast the first stone.” Jesus said. Not really a question, but a statement. Martha’s life is like so many of use in that we get lured by the many temptations of this world. It need not be sex, greed, anger or any well known vice. Sometimes it can be the lesser known sins like laziness.
When we think of the Prodigal Son we must remember that he, while sitting in the filth of the pig mud, made the effort to come home. But he did not even get halfway down the road when his father spied him and ran out to meet him. Although it does not say in this story, I can almost hear the rejoiceful singing of angels and saints the day Martha changed. But when was that actually? Was it when the bishop burned her possessions? Shaved her head or put on the covenant garb of a nun? It when, in her heart, she said “I am repentant at this instant.” In that very moment did the heavens rejoice.
My father always said to me, “never do anything halfway. Either do it or don’t.” We all work and are distracted by other affairs of the mind and heart. We have a deadline, a project, something that takes our full concentration that even the slightest distraction can make us mad, lose our train of thought and/or focus. This is what my father would say “halfway”. Doing something right takes all your might. Not just physical, but emotionally, spiritually and mentally.
Participating in our own salvation needs the same kind of singular dedication. When you come to church, leave your cell phone in the car, leave your watch at home. Come all the way, not just halfway.
Prayer
May the prayers of St Martha be with us and her intercessions be heard to help each of us find the strength, like she did, to focus fully on you oh Lord. And may we all be grant the chance to meet her face to face as well with you our Lord Jesus Christ.
St Andronicus
On the 22nd day of the Coptic month of Bashons we celebrate the life of St Andronicus.
Andronicus was chosen by the Lord to be among the seventy disciples whom He sent before Him to preach the kingdom of God. He received the Holy Spirit in the Upper Room on the day of the Pentecost. St. Paul mentions his name in (Romans 16:7) saying: "Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me."
He preached the Gospel in many cities in the company of Junia, and they guided many to the Christian faith, and performed many miracles, healed the sick, and transformed many idol temples in to churches. When they completed their course, and the Lord willed to take them from this world, Andronicus became ill for a short time and departed in peace. Junia buried him in a cave, and he prayed to the Lord to take him also. He departed on the next day.
Lessons from this story
Andronicus is a classical greek name, which means “male victor or warrior.” Although not much is mentioned about his life, his struggles or his contributions - which is strange for someone so beloved by St Paul. Indeed, we can surmise quite a bit more details simply by St Paul’s simple statement.
He calls Andronicus his “kinsmen”. That is akin to calling him brother, or family. Though there is no record of them being actual actual family, this term of endearment was meant as a reference to their united effort on behalf of the Lord Jesus Christ. But a true honor to be called family by the venerable St Paul. Even in his time, we was considered such a pillar in the Christian faith, that to receive a nod by him is akin to the President going on national TV and calling you, by name, with honor. So we must believe that St Paul is calling out the virtues of Andronicus by calling him kinsmen.
There is also a reference to to Andronicus being a fellow prisoner. But again, the telling of his story makes no reference to any imprisonment. But sure, to be called kinsmen also meant that Andronicus endured a great many challenges in spreading the word of salvation through Christ among the world. So the combination of these two references, kinsmen and prisoner, tell us much more than history has recorded. That this Andronicus was devote, loyal, virtuous, strong in the faith and example of the early Christian pillars paramount for the growing faith. And yet, he remains humbly unknown to you and me.
But perhaps the most powerful compliment that can be given is that Andronicus was noted among the apostles. His work, his effort, his sacrifices were known to the apostles.
We live in a world of showcasing. People are always on display, either literally or virtually. Racing around trying to get recognition, or worse, trying to get “likes”, “Views” or some kind of feedback. Andronicus, revered by the exalted St Paul, is virtually unknown by the world today, but his contributions were written in the Book of Life.
Serve them for Him, and serve Him for them because at the end of the day, you only need one “like” from above.
Prayer
Thank you God for the guidance you give us that we may continue to serve your great economy of salvation for all. Help us to always be good stewards of these eternal gifts. May the prayers of St Andronicus be with us all, amen.
St Yoannis XI, 89th Pope of Alexandria
On the 28th day of the Coptic month of Baramouda we celebrate the life of St Yoannis the Eleventh, 89th Pope of Alexandria.
He was known as Yoannis El-Maksi for he was from El-Maksa in Cairo. His birth name was Farag which means “blessing” or “cure” depending on the source.
He was a contemporary to the rulers El-Ashraf, El-Aziz, El-Zaher, and El-Mansour. He encountered many hardships that required the intervention of the kings of Ethiopia who threatened the Egyptian government to cut the flow of the Nile because of the persecution of El-Nasara (The Copts, the Nazarenes). The Patriarch was forbidden to communicate with the kings of Ethiopia and Nubia without the permission and knowledge of the rulers of the government.
He departed in the year 1452, the same year Johann Gutenberg printed the very first Bible. Before that time all bibles were hand-made. Pope Yoannis departed in peace having sat on the throne of St. Mark for 24 years, 11 months, and 23 days.
Lessons from this story
It is said that Pope Yoannis was a contemporary, which means he was skilled in the art of negotiating with government leaders, as well as the various buearcratical factions that ensue.
How draining that must have been. Here you are, the leader of a faithful and spiritual people, having to deal with the politics of this world. Politics is a war that has no peace, only a begrudging compromise. But it is a tool of the devil to steal away your peace. How truly remarkable this pope must have been to be written down as a contemporary and having sustained the role of spiritual father “Abba” for 24 years. Think of how many governments have changed, leaders and rulers come and go, while the constant presence of the Pope remains. And with each new ruler, there are new terms, new arrangements sometimes even having to start all over.
Samuel the prophet was dismayed when the people demanded a king be set upon them, for he knew the truth. There was only one King. But the Lord said to him, “Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them.” (1 Samuel 8:7) And then Samuel told the people all the terrible things they would sacrifice for this new “king” they demanded. But they didn’t care, they wanted to be ruled like all their enemies had been ruled.
We have the greatest protector ever. The greatest King, Guardian, Council, that has ever been. Pope Yoannis knew this well. And though this telling indicates he endured many hardships, during his time as Pope, he knew not only were the rulers he dealt with were temporary - but our time here as well.
Prayer
Oh Father helps to always see past the temporary hardships we face and to use them to grow in spiritual strength and knowledge that you are our true one and only King. May the prayers and intercessions of Pope Yoannis the 11th, 89th Pope of Alexandria be with us all amen.
St. Theoclia
On the 11th day of the Coptic month of Bashons we celebrate the life of St Theoclia, wife to St Justus.
In his morbid march against Christians, the Roman Emperor Diocletian had sent St Justus and Theoclia to the Governor of Alexandria. Who separated them, sending St. Justus to Antinoe, where he was martyred, and sending Theoclia to Sa El-Hagar.
When the Governor there met her, he marvelled at her fortitude and resolve. He was astonished by her will to leave the kingdom preferring to die instead. At first, he tried to persuade her, but she refused to accept his flowery words saying: "I have left my kingdom, accepted the separation of my husband whom I have known since my youth, and I have been comforted by my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. So what could you give me?" Enraged by her resolve, he ordered her to be beaten until her flesh was torn and then placed her in prison.
The angel of the Lord appeared to her, comforted and strengthened her. When the prisoners witnessed her wounds being healed miraculously, they believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, and they all received the crown of martyrdom. The Governor ordered her beheaded and she received the crown of martyrdom. Some believers came, paid the soldier silver, took her body, shrouded and placed it in a coffin until the end of the Days of Persecution.
Lessons from this story
Daniel said to the steward in charge of him, “Please test your servants for ten days and let them feed us vegetables to eat and water to drink, then let our appearance be examined..” (Daniel 1:12-13) In the king’s court all ate and drank merrily, without a care in the world. But when Daniel refused to partake of this, the steward was afraid his king would be angry. So for ten days Daniel and his companions ate vegetables and water, while the others in the stewards' care ate the king’s delicacies with wine. The steward marvelled at their bright countenance compared to the shallow faces of the others.
St Theoclia represented the same bright countenance as Daniel. Feasting not on the world, but only on the nourishment of Jesus Christ. Truly, what could this poor governor give her to match? Even the emperor is poor in comparison to the riches of Christ.
We never know how many lives we impact with our daily struggles against the world’s vices. Though the bible tells us to fast in private, and always present a pleasant appearance, so as to not draw attention to our efforts. But people notice. Some may ask, many will not. We live our life for God. Being Christian is meaning to be Christ-like. For in us is the firm knowledge that everything of this world will fail us utterly, but when we are sustained on the nourishments of God’s Grace, a single drop is like a feast.
Prayer
God help us to be blinded to the luxuries of this life, but to be focused on that ever narrowing bridge that leads to eternal life. May the prayers and intercessions of St Theoclia be with us all, amen.
St Qozman El-Tahawy
On the 1st day of the Coptic month of Paone we celebrate the life of St. Qozman (Cosmas) El-Tahawy and his companions. For they were martyred on this day.
Lessons from this story
And that’s it. That is all that is written about this saint. If you go online and search his name, you will find exactly the same details on several different websites. But why do we celebrate his life? Yes we understand on this day he was martyred, along with his companions, but what was his struggle. It is of no value to the saint to just celebrate his martyrdom without enlightening us of his struggles. A saint gains no glory it this celebration, not from us anyway. And without the telling of his struggle there is no value to us either. Then why am I including it here then?
It is wrong to list a saint in the Synexar without telling the saint’s story. We are blessed with great stories given to us about saints and their individual challenges. But I was sad to find this reference in the Synexar with no details whatsoever.
What will our children? “Hey why do you celebrate this saint?” Someone will ask. “I don’t know, they just have his name listed.” How sad. As we know saints reside with the Lord and remain active on his behalf. But if we don’t get know the saint, through his life’s telling, there is a tremendous loss to you and me. And though I must imagine sadness does enter into a saint at this stage of their existence, it just does fit the narrative that God wastes nothing.
If you meet a person and learn nothing about this person, other than being introduced to him or her, how forgettable they will be to us. But when hear their stories and share our stories, there is a keenship that develops. These saints are our brothers and sisters. Many of them we have developed deep meaningful relationships with. But St Qozman El Tahawy may not be able to fulfill that joyful act as a saint, for though he is remembered in the Synexar by name only, the life that defined him is unknown to us.
Prayer
I will set forth a different prayer this time. Please, if know this saint’s story, reach out to us and share so that we may share with everyone else. IN this combined effort do we honor his struggle, his martyrdom and the works of the Lord through him.
And glory be to God.
St Epiphanius, Bishop of Cyprus
On the 17th day of the Coptic month of Bashons we celebrate the life of St Epiphanius, Bishop of Cyprus..
Epiphanius was born to Jewish parents. His father had died when he was young, and he was raised straight and true by his mother and sister.
His father had left behind an untrained donkey, whom his mother had asked the young Epiphanius to sell. Along the journey, Epiphanius met a Christian man named Philotheus who offered to buy the donkey. But the donkey kicked Epiphanius in his thigh, and he fell down on the ground unconscious. Philotheus made the sign of the cross over the place of injury and Epiphanius was cured of his pain instantly. Then Philotheus condemned the donkey. God straightaway struck the donkey, it fell down and died. Epiphanius inquired about the secret of the donkey's death and Philotheus told him that it was the power of the cross. He educated Epiphanius about the crucified Christ, Son of God, at the hands of the Jews in Jerusalem. That in God’s supreme love for us, offered Himself up freely for the Salvation of the world. This remained in the mind of Epiphanius.
When one of the rich Jewish men died and had no one to inherit his wealth, he left all his inheritance to Epiphanius. He used this inheritance to spend on the teachers of religion and Law. Once, when he was walking in the road, he saw a poor man asking for charity from one of the monks, and as the monk did not have any money to give, he took off his garment and gave it to him. As the poor man took this garment, Epiphanius saw a white dress coming down from heaven upon the monk instead of the garment that he given away. He was astonished and went to the monk and asked him: "Who are you and what is your faith?" The monk told him that he was Christian. He asked the monk to guide him to the facts of the Christian faith. The monk brought him to the bishop who taught him the law of the Christian faith and baptized him.
Epiphanius desired to become a monk, and the bishop sent him to the monastery of St. Lucianus. He became a disciple to St. Hilarion, and the grace of God was with him. He excelled in the church subjects, monastic virtues, and its cannons.
St. Hilarion prophesied that Epiphanius would become a bishop and commanded him to go to Cyprus, and not to refuse the office of bishop if it was offered to him. When the bishop of Cyprus departed, it happened that Epiphanius entered the city to buy certain necessities, and he had two monks with him. A saintly bishop was inspired to go to the marketplace to choose the monk that had two clusters of grapes, whose name was Epiphanius, to ordain him a bishop for Cyprus. When the bishop went to the market, he found him with the other two monks, with two clusters of grapes in his hand. He asked him about his name and he knew that he was the chosen one by God. He took him to the church and ordained him deacon, priest, then bishop. He revealed to the people his vision about him and the prophecy of St. Hilarion was fulfilled.
Bishop Epiphanius followed a right course of conduct in his diocese, which was well pleasing to God. He wrote many books and discourses and he always preached about mercy. It happened that John, bishop of Jerusalem, was not merciful. So Bishop Epiphanius borrowed from him some of his gold and silver table vessels, and sold them, giving the money to the poor and needy. When Bishop John asked him to return them, he struck him in his eyes and he became blind. John asked the Saint to pray to heal him, and he prayed, and God opened one of John's eyes.
In the year 402 A.D., Empress Eudoxia called upon Bishop Epiphanius to help her to drive out St. John Chrysostom from Constantinople. However, he tried to reconcile them together, but failed. She threatened him that she would open the temples of idols and close the churches if he did not work on his removal. But since he could not reconcile the differences between her and St. John, he returned to Cyprus and departed that same year.
Lessons from this story
I am a Christian. This is what both the monk who received the white garment from heaven and Philotheus said to St Epiphanius. In the 5th century, when this takes place, it is reasonable that Epiphanius would not be aware of christianity. But we live in time when labels are abused. I am a Christian. Does that make me in fact a Christian? Jesus said “a tree is known by its fruit.” (Matthew 12:33) In a meaning, a tree does not label itself an apple tree, or an orange tree, it is known by its fruit. Being a Christian means being like Christ. Does fruit of our daily labors prove this out?
St Epiphanius was a righteous man before God. This was true before he became a Christian. How do we know? By his fruit. When he inherited the undeserved riches from the dying man, Epiphanius did not squander it on luxurious living. He used it to celebrate his belief and faith in God. His actions (or fruit) bear out his true nature.
When his eyes were opened by the generosity of the monk giving away his only possession, his garment, to the beggar, Epiphanius knew in his heart a truth had been revealed to him. Being a righteous man, he sought out this truth fully.
In Acts chapter 17, verse 33, St Paul beheld a tribute to the unknown God. St Paul in the wisdom given to him by God and the Holy Spirit, enlightened the people, giving them a name to call this unknown God. That they may worship Him fully. Just as Epiphanius.
In today’s world we live under the oppressive labels. We fear being called one thing and wish to be called another. But these are false percepts. Driven by a social media that creates a false value. Before God not one of these labels matters at all. Before God we are known by our fruits. As Jesus says in Luke chapter 6, “For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart, his mouth speaks.”
Be known by your fruit.
Prayer
Oh God armor use against the paper attacks of words that carry with them no sting or dagger, but to focus inward to our service in Your holy name. May we ever be fruitful in your eyes oh Lord. May the prayers of St Epiphanius be with us all amen.
St Isidore and His Family
On the 19th day of the Coptic month of Bashons we celebrate the life of St Isidore and His Family.
Isidore was born in Antioch and his father's name was Bandalaon, who was a nobleman in the Roman Empire under Diocletian. His mother's name was Sofia and he had a sister whose name was Ophimia. Their parents raised them in the Christian faith.
When Diocletian apostatized, Bandalaon and his son Isidore left all their possessions and went secretly to a mountain where they lived with a holy man whose name was Abba Samuel.
When the Emperor knew of what had happened, he brought them before him, and he tried to persuade Bandalaon to abandon his Christian faith with promises of wealth. But Bandalaon remained strong and refused the emperor’s temptations. The Emperor grew angry and threatened Bandalaon, who was no longer paying attention to what the Emperor was saying, presumably praying to God. At the Emperor’s decree, a soldier cut off his head.
Young Isidore, who was only twelve years old, witnessed his father’s strength. The guards tortured him with all kinds of horrible tortures. But he endured. His mother and sister were beside him often during his trial, comforting him and strengthening him to endure for the sake of Jesus Christ. In the end, the Emperor ordered all of them to be beheaded. They all received the crowns of life.
Lessons from this story
This story is more than the telling of the life of one saint, but of a family of four saints. Isidore truly was incredible, at such a young age, to endure what is recorded as horrible tortures. But truly he was inspired by his father’s truth in conviction. It is truly important how we practice what we preach when it comes to our children. For they see more than we think they do, and they find out when we are being hypocrites. As my father said to me, “do as I say not as I do.” As child I obey, but as I got older I did not find wisdom in those words. But just saying, “do as I do.” Is not always enough to win the hearts of our youth, for often times we do something without truly explaining why we do it.
I came to the faith late in life, so I asked many questions. Many answers I found, but sometimes the answer was “I don’t know, just tradition I guess.” Or the youth would simply tell me, “Because my parents said to.”
It is not enough to set an example, but to explain the importance of what we do and why we do it, otherwise the youth will be easily discouraged. Our faith is rich with history, steeply found in every liturgy, but not all aspects are universally known. Even some of our daily practices such as, praying, reading the bible, fasting and many more do not resonate with the youth if it comes by command instead of revelation.
St Bandalaon and St Sofia raised their son and daughter in the Christian values. But the depth of a trees roots are not known until the mighty wind comes. Then will the weak rooted trees fall while the strong rooted tree endure.
If we can always take time explain, reveal and enlighten our youth, then we are truly servants of Christ. For in them we invest.
Prayer
Thank you God the children you place in our care, for helping realize they are not our children, but Your children on loan to us. Help us to guide them straight and true through this world unto the path of eternal life.
St Sina the Soldier
On the 24th day of the Coptic month of Baramouda we celebrate the life of St Sina the Soldier.
Sina was a companion of St. Isidore. One night both of them saw a vision and it seemed to them that a virgin came to them with crowns which she placed on their heads. When they woke up from their sleep they told each other about what they had seen, and they rejoiced greatly as they believed that the Lord had called them to receive the crown of martyrdom. They went to the Governor and Sina, a soldier, unbound his soldier's girdle and cast it down before the governor and both Sina and Isidore confessed their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The Governor of Farma tortured the two friends and St. Isidore was martyred. Sina, however, remained alive in the prison.
When a new Governor took charge he commanded not to keep any one who confessed the Name of Christ. He heard about the presence of Sina in prison, and that he was a captain of soldiers. Sina was tortured greatly but did not turn from his faith. The Governor immediately ordered to cut off his head and he received the crown of martyrdom. His mother was beside him when he was martyred, and she saw a multitude of angels carrying away his soul as she had also seen St. Isidore's soul at the time of his martyrdom as well.
They took his body, shrouded it, laid it with the body of his friend St. Isidore in the city of Samanoud, and many signs and wonders appeared from them.
Lessons from this story
The unknown can be scary. This story illustrates the vision both Sts Sina and Isidore received giving them comfort before their martyrdom. Though they knew what they would face, as the dream illustrated to them, they gleefully accepted and went out pronouncing their faith in Christ, knowing full well they would be tortured for it.
Christ knew their hearts and brought to them comfort before they were to face torture. To help them know that what was to come for their faith was the glory of eternal life and the crown of martyrdom.
I like to hike. Backpacking in the wilderness helps escape the world while enjoying the beauty of what God has created for all us to enjoy. And though we travel, we have a semblance of a map, we are often coming up on a corner not knowing what is exactly around the corner. Maybe the trial hits a dead end caused by a recent storm or rock slide, or even a wild animal might be there.
I have faith in the map, even though it may not tell me exactly what I will face. But once I turn that corner and face what is on the other side, I l no longer have faith, I have knowledge.
St Sina and his close friend St Isidore, both had faith in Jesus Christ, as the lord knew their hearts. But once they both had the same dream, they knew. And once you know something, you can never unknow it.
We all face difficult challenges in our life. It is the trials and tribulations that St James in the Bible says “Count it all joy,” (James 1:2) When you know the final outcome that is to be, it strengthens you to keep going. Sometimes the torture can be hell. Winston Churchill famously said, “When you are going through hell, keep on moving.”
Truth is, nothing on this earth will ever be heaven nor will it ever be hell. Remember this, we are foreigners here. Just passing through. Keep your faith for you know it to be true.
Prayer
Oh God help us always stay on the path that leads us to the eternal life and to always be willing to call on you for help at anytime. May the prayers of Sts Sina and Isidore be with us all, amen.
St Sarah and Her Two Sons
On the 25th day of the Coptic month of Baramouda we celebrate the life of St Sarah and her two sons.
Sarah was from the city of Antioch, the wife of a man whose name was Socrates, one of the governors of Emperor Diocletian. This Governor had denied Christ to please Diocletian, pretending before his wife that he did that because of his fear from the Emperor.
Sarah had two sons, she could not baptize in Antioch, because of her fear from the Emperor and her husband. She took them and sailed to Alexandria to baptize them there. God willed to reveal the greatness of her faith as a lesson to the generations to come. God brought forth a great tempest and the ship was about to be wrecked and drown. Sarah was afraid that her sons would be drowned without being baptized. She prayed a long prayer, then she wounded her right breast, took some of her blood, anointed them making the sign of the cross upon the foreheads, and over the hearts. Then she dipped them in the sea three times saying: "In the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit."
After that, the winds died down, a great calm came on the sea, and the ship sailed toward Alexandria. When she arrived, she took her sons, went to the church, and handed them to Pope Peter, the seal of the martyrs. He received them to be baptized, together with the children of the city. When the Pope carried one of her sons to baptize him, the water froze. The Pope went on baptizing other children and came back to her sons, but the water again froze. The same thing occurred on the third attempt. The Pope was amazed and asked their mother about her story. She told him about all that happened to her at sea and what she did for her sons. He glorified God and said: "It is indeed one baptism."
When the woman returned to Antioch, her husband denounced what she had done. He related what happened to the Emperor accusing his wife with adultery. The Emperor brought her and reproached her saying: "Why did you go to Alexandria to commit adultery with the Christians?" The Saint answered him: "Christians do not commit adultery, and do not worship idols, and after this do what you wish, for you will not hear another word from me."
The Emperor asked her: "Tell me what did you do in Alexandria?" When she did not answer him, he ordered to tie her hands behind her, and to place her two sons on her belly, and burn all three of them. She turned her face to the east and prayed. She delivered up her pure soul along with her sons, and they all received the crown of martyrdom.
Lessons from this story
For the love of a mother, were her children saved. For the love of the Father, was her baptism one with God. Her purity was true. Clearly she was not a virgin, as she had been married and given child from her husband. But in this example, purity and virginity are not always the same. Though her marriage was in the faith of Christianity, as the husband denied his faith for he feared the emperor more than he feared God. So her purity was unstained. But so pure was her faith in God, her devotion to her Father, that she believed with all her heart the importance of the baptism of her children. Not as an act of tradition but of faith, knowledge of the Lord.
The importance here is that “the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7) As we meet people from outside of the church, we must remember they are God’s chosen too. That they should not ever let the stain of flesh prevent them from the sweetness of the Father. That in our outreach, the Father of love accepts all as they are. And that a pure desire to be one with God, to be freed from the world, are too all. Just ask Mary Magdalene.
Prayer
God helps us to serve in your holy name and guide us to those seeking your goodness. Help us to see them as you do, to resist the temptations of this world while extending a hand to those who need to know you. May the prayers of St Sarah and her two sons be with us all amen.
St Pope Mark, 49th Pope of Alexandria (EDITED / RECORDED)
On the 22nd day of the Coptic month of Baramouda we celebrate the life of St Mark, the 49th Pope of Alexandria.
Mark was from Alexandria, and he was an honorable and educated man. The pope of Alexandria at the time, Pope John, ordained him a deacon for he was an eloquent speaker. His voice was sweet and all those who heard him rejoiced in him. The Pope handed him the administration of the papal place, and he did nothing without his advice. When Pope John put on him the garb of monks in the monastery, one of the elder monks shouted saying: "This deacon whose name is Mark shall, rightly and fittingly sit upon the throne of his father Mark, the Evangelist."
When Pope John departed, the bishops unanimously agreed to choose Mark as the next Patriarch. He fled to the desert, but they caught up with him, brought him back, and enthroned him Patriarch on the 2nd day of Amshir, in 799 A.D..
He tended to the church’s needs, and restored those that were in a ruinous state. He returned many of the heretics back to the Orthodox faith, healed many of the sick, and cast out many with devils. Telling them: "What happened to you was because you dared to partake of the Holy Mysteries with irreverence, so keep yourselves henceforward from the evil words that come out of your mouth."
In his days, the Muslim Arabs conquered the Greek Isles, captured many of their women and children, brought them to Alexandria, and started to sell them. The Pope gathered money from the believers, and was able to pay three thousand Dinars to save and free them. He wrote for them bills of manumission and set them free. He provided those who wished to return to their country with whatever they needed, and those who wished to stay, he gave them in marriage and protected them. He restored the church of the Redeemer in Alexandria. But evil and possessed men came and burned it down. So Mark restored it again.
When the Lord willed to give him rest, he became sick. He prayed the Divine Liturgy, partook of the Holy Mysteries, bid the bishops that were there farewell and then departed in peace. He sat on the See for 20 years, 2 months and 21 days.
Lessons from this story
I think if I was to give a title to Saint Mark, 49th Pope of Alexandria, I would call him the restorer. Not just for his unwavering persistence in rebuilding the church of the Redeemer, but early on we read that he restored many to the faith. Some who had become heretics, while also restoring many back to purity.
Restoration of anything requires patience and a tedious attention to detail. Many of us today have seen TV shows where a person is restoring a car, a house or an artifact back to its original glory. That is truly a patience and careful person. Sure the show’s glam over the tediousness of the tasks, as they do not want to lose their audience, showing only certain highlights until it is fully restored. But returning anything to its original glory can not be captured in a 30 minute TV show.
I had an occasion to visit the vatican on a rare house tour. One of the rooms was displaying certain arts that were in various stages of restore. Paintings, sculptures, trinkets, frescos, etc. I asked the curator what the duration was, and he mused, pointing to one of the paintings “Not in my lifetime will it be finished.”
St Mark spent his life restoring souls, just as the Creator gave His life to restore us back to our original glory as well.
Prayer
Oh Father helps us always appreciate the many gifts you give us each and every day. Help us also appreciate the sacrifice you made for us and guide us when the time comes that we too may help restore someone back to you. May the prayers of St Abba Mark the Restorer, 49th Pope of Alexandria be with us all, Amen.
St Michael, 53rd Pope of Alexandria
On the 22nd day of the Coptic month of Baramouda we celebrate the life of St Michael, 53rd Pope of Alexandria.
This father was a righteous monk, and he was ordained hegumen for the monastery of the saint Abba John. Because of his good conduct, they chose him Patriarch, and he was enthroned on the 24th day of Hatour 566 A.M. (November 20th., 849 A.D.).
When the Holy Fast came, he went to the desert of Scetis to keep the fast there. He remembered his earlier life in the wilderness, so he asked God with tears and supplication saying: "O God, you know how much I love solitary life and I have no aptitude for the position that I am in." The Lord accepted his petition and he departed in peace after the feast of Passover. He stayed on the Chair one year, four months and twenty-eight days.
Lessons from this story
Imagine what is involved with being a priest. You must straddle between being in the world and being not of the world. You and I, assuming you are not a priest, strive to not be influenced by this world we live in as it relates to our spiritual desire to be one with God. Everyone should have solitary time with God alone. For many of us it is during the liturgy, for some lucky few, they can have a quiet solitary time for God daily. But the truth is, if we do not actually make time for one on one with God, the world will do everything it can to prevent you. Your mobile will ring. Someone will come to you with a problem. Some terrible thought will enter into your brain. Whatever distraction comes, you are robbed of that amazing and wonderful visit with God.
A priest plays such a pivot role in our life. They are to be deeply ground in spiritualness so they can help guide us through the darkness of this world. But many priests, that serve in a church, have so many other obligations that having nothing really to do with being a priest.
Clearly St Michael sought only alone time with God. Nothing in this world meant more to him than this solitary relationship. It was probably because of this constant pursuit of peaceful time with Christ that gave him the ability to rise above the daily turmoils of life, making idea for such a high spiritual role on earth.
Pope, abba, father to so many. Nothing would give the enemy of man greater pleasure than to befall such an esteemed ascetic. St Michael, through Jesus Christ, could have faced the world daily. But ugliness once seen or felt is hard to be cleansed from. So he ran from the world, like Joseph from Pontifar’s wife, seeking release from the prison of his position. A lesson we should all try to do, daily.
Prayer
Thank you father for this life given to us. Guide us always through the darkness and mire that is so pervasive in this world. Help us to see only you in people we meet and actions we take. May the prayers of St Michael, 53rd pope of Alexandria be with us and for us, amen.
St Sousenyos
On the 26th day of the Coptic month of Baramouda we celebrate the life of St Sousenyos.
Sousenyos was the son of one of the friends of Emperor Diocletian. An angel of the Lord appeared to him and strengthened his heart on receiving the crown of martyrdom. Sousenyos kept this in his heart, sharing it with no one.
The Emperor sent him to the city of Nicomedia to restore the worship of idols. Sousenyos sorrowed exceedingly. He sent for and brought with him, a priest on his journey to Nicomedia. Who taught him the doctrine of the church, the facts of the faith and baptized him.
When his father found out, he brought his own son before the Emperor, declaring that he did not worship the idols. The Emperor ordered to torture him with severe tortures. But the Lord strengthened and comforted him. Finally, they cut off his head, and he received the crown of martyrdom.
The number of those who had seen him during his torture and believed because of him, were eleven hundred and seventy. They were all martyred and received the crown of martyrdom.
Lessons from this story
Jesus warned us that this exact thing would happen. “Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 10:21-22). The angel came to Sousyenos and revealed his martyrdom. Imagine what that must be like. You have grown up in the luxury of great wealth, comfort and prestige. As the son of a friend to the emperor, you would have everything your heart could desire.
Though this telling does not elaborate why the angel appeared to Sousenyos, only that an angel did reveal his destiny. As we know God knows the heart, cleary we must infer that Sousenyos, despite his wealth and privilege, was not happy. This telling does not say the angel appeared in response to a prayer, in fact the story implies the announcement was unsolicited. So clearly the takeaway is that God knew Sousenyos’s heart and gave him a better option.
But, we read that Sousenyos was cautious. I mean at this time being Christian was not a popular thing to do, especially for someone so close to the emperor who will go down in history and horrible torturer of Christians. But nonetheless, he kept this reveal in his heart.
When the time came for him to be tested, he learned all he could about Christianity, was baptized, stood his ground, gripped his new faith and eventually released, receiving the crown of Martyrdom.
Pure of heart can be found anywhere if we allow God to direct us. Do we imagine for one second Jonah would have gone to that horrible band of sinners the Ninevites if God had not called him? Absolutely not. He even resisted God's will, hoping to witness the destruction of a people he deemed unworthy.
Do we do that? Do we look at others and think we know their hearts? Truly we fall victim to judgment of others based on our one dimension perception, but when we listen to the lives of saints, maybe we can train ourselves to curb that first reaction and allow God to reveal to us the pure of heart no matter where we are.
Prayer
God please use us. Guide our eyes, hands, feet and minds to see and do your work. That through you, we can be part of that greatness that is being“called”. May the prayers and intercessions of St Sousenyos be with us all, amen.
St Isaac of Hourin
On the 22nd day of the Coptic month of Baramouda we celebrate the life of St Isaac of Hourin
Isaac was born in the city of Hourin - Shabas, from righteous and pure parents. His father's name was Abraham, and his mother's name was Susannah. His mother departed when he was a child, and his father, shortly after, married another wife. In those days there was a famine, and his step-mother hated him. She only gave him a little bread, which he gave to the shepherds that he worked with. He fasted until sunset, although he was only five years old. When his father knew that, he went to see him to inquire into that. Knowing the matter, before his father came to him, he tied up three pieces of mud in his cloak, so that his father might think when he saw them from far that they were bread. When his father came and unrolled the cloak, he found three pieces of bread. The shepherds who were present testified that the boy had given them all what he had of bread, and others saw him tieing the pieces of mud in his cloak. His father marvelled and glorified God.
When Isaac grew up, he went and became a monk with a righteous man whose name was Elias, and he lived with him for many years. After the departure of Anba Elias, he went to the mount of Barnug and lived with an old man whose name was Anba Zacharias. His father went about everywhere trying to find him. When he found his son living with St. Zacharias, he asked him to return with him. His teacher Anba Zacharias advised him to obey his father and return with him.
He returned and stayed until his father's departure. He distributed all what his father left him to the poor and needy. He then built for himself a place outside the city, where he dwelt there alone. He went on asceticism and worship until he departed in peace.
They buried him in his place of worship, and the place was forgotten. After many years, God willed to reveal his body, and a great light appeared above his grave, which was seen by reapers for three consecutive days. The believers came, took his body, laid it on a camel, and journeyed with it until they came to a place between Hourin and Nashrat. The camel stopped, knelt down, and would not get up again. They knew that this was the Lord's Will and they built a church for him in that place where they placed the body with great honor.
Lessons from this story
As the story tells us, God took young Isaac under his wing. Or perhaps to put it more accurately, Isaac’s mother never left him. But nonetheless, his step-mother (as so many of the fairy tales go) was cruel to young Isaac. But Isaac was obedient and went to great lengths to hide his stepmother’s cruelty from his father.
“The hired hand flees because he is an employee and does not care about the sheep.” (John 10:13) This verse comes from Jesus affirming He is the true shepherd that would give His life to protect His sheep. When Isaac’s dad came to inquire about the cruelty being done to his child by his new wife, only to see that God performed a miracle. There is no mention of the stepmother after this.
We are Isaac, the Father is Jesus Christ and the stepmother is the world we live in. We do not belong to her and she knows we are the Father’s favorite and, more importantly, the heir to all the Father has.
Do not despise the world, for like us it to was created by God. But the world today, after the fall, is forever jealous of what we are and who we are. It will do whatever it can to have power over us - which of course it never can.
Prayer
Oh Father, who are in Heaven, how lucky we are to your children. That no matter what this world pours out for us, you help us soak it up, purify it and make wine with it. May the grace and humility of Isaac be shared with us. And may his prayers always be with us as well, amen.
St. Hierotheos
On the 21st day of the Coptic month of Baramouda we celebrate the life of St Hierotheos.
Hierotheos, which in Greek means one who is protected by God, was one of the learned men in the city of Athens. He met the Apostle St. Paul, and many discussions took place between them which led to his belief on the Apostle's hand. St Paul baptized him, taught him the Ordinances and Law of the church, and then ordained him a priest for this city. He frequently visited St. Dionysius the Areopagite, who was also one of the learned men in Athens.
This Saint was present at the time of the departure of the St Mary the Holy Theotokos, and he stood in the midst of the apostles, comforting them with spiritual songs and hymns which he sang accompanied with musical instruments.
He converted many Jews and Gentiles to the knowledge of the Lord Christ. When the people wished to ordain him a bishop, he refused saying: "I just wish to be able to perform the duties of a priest." Having finished his good strife, he went to the Lord Whom he loved.
Lessons from this story
There is a great gift God gives to all of us, a talent, an ability, that is essential in God’s economy. In this passage we hear that at the time of Mother Mary’s passing, the surrounding apostles needed consoling. St Hierotheos used his gift for song, given to him by the Lord Jesus Christ, to help console his brothers in Christ.
A church is nothing without the men and women that do so much unseen work of cleaning, cooking, and tending to the church. Just as St Paul talks about the one body of Christ “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.” (1 Corinthians 12:4-6). At the time of St Mary’s departure, we did not need a sermon from St Peter, doubts from St Thomas or tender homily from the beloved St John - what the Lord knew they needed was soothing music to calm their hearts.
Never underestimate the importance you provide to church and to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Help us Lord to find our purpose in Your Will and to find a use for the gifts You give us so freely. May the prayers of St Hierotheos be with us all, amen.
St Mark the Apostle
On the 27th day of the Coptic month of Baramouda we celebrate the life of St Mark Apostle, the first pope of Alexandria..
His name was John, as the Holy Bible says: "He came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying" (Acts 12:12). He was the one Jesus Christ was referring to, when He said: "Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, The Teacher says, My time is at hand; I will keep the Passover at your house with My disciples" (Matthew 26:18).
Mark’s house was thus the first Christian church, where they ate the Passover, hid after the crucifiction of the Jesus Christ, and where the Holy Spirit came upon them.
Mark was born in Cyrene in North Africa. His father's name was Aristopolus and his mother's name was Mary. They were Jewish in faith, rich and of great honor. They educated Mark with the Greek and Hebrew cultures. He was called Mark after they emigrated to Jerusalem, where St. Peter had become a disciple to the Lord Christ. St. Peter was married to the cousin of Aristopolus. Mark visited St. Peter's house often, and from him he learned the Christian teachings.
Once Aristopolus and his son Mark were walking near the Jordan river, near the desert. They came upon a raving lion and a lioness. It was evident to Aristopolus that it would be his end and the end of his son. He ordered his son to run and save himself. Mark answered, "Christ, in whose hands our lives are committed, will not let them feast on us." Saying this, he prayed, "O, Christ, Son of God protect us from the evil of these two beasts and terminate their offspring from this wilderness." Immediately, God granted this prayer, and the two beasts fell dead. His father marvelled and asked his son to tell him about Jesus Christ. He believed in the Lord Christ at the hands of his son, who baptized him.
After the ascension of Jesus Christ, Mark accompanied Paul and Barnabas to preach the Gospel in Antioch, Seleucia, Cyprus, Salamis, and Perga Pamphylia where he left them and returned to Jerusalem. After the Apostolic Council in Jerusalem, he went with Barnabas to Cyprus.
After the departure of Barnabas, with the order of the Christ, Mark went to Afrikia, Berka, and the Five Western cities. He preached the Gospel in these parts, and most of its people believed. From there, he went to Alexandria in the 61 A.D.
When he entered the city, his shoe was torn because of much walking in preaching and evangelism. He went to a cobbler in the city, called Anianus, to repair it. While he was repairing it the cobbler accidentally pierced his finger. Anianus shouted in Greek saying "EIS THEOS" which means "O, ONE GOD". When Mark heard these words his heart rejoiced exceedingly. He found it suitable to talk to him about the One God. The Apostle took some clay, spat on it and applied it to Anianus' finger, saying in the Name of Jesus Christ the Son of God, and straightaway the wound was healed as if nothing had happened to it.
Anianus invited him to go to his house and brought his children before Mark. He preached and baptized them in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
When the believers in the Name of Christ increased and the pagan people of the city heard that, they were angry and thought of slaying St. Mark. The faithful advised him to get away for a short while for the sake of the safety of the church and its care. Mark ordained St. Anianus a Bishop for Alexandria, as well as three priests and seven deacons. He went to the Five Western Cities, remained there for two years preaching, and ordained bishops, priests, and deacons.
He returned to Alexandria where he found the believers had increased in number, and built a church for them in the place known as Bokalia (The place of cows), east of Alexandria on the sea shore.
It came to pass, when he was celebrating the feast of the Resurrection on the 29th day of Baramudah, year 68 A.D., it coincided with a great pagan Celebration for the feast of the god Syrabis. A mob assembled and attacked the church at Bokalia and forced their way in. They seized Mark, bound him with a thick rope and dragged him in the roads and streets crying, "Drag the dragon to the place of Cows." They continued dragging him with severe cruelty. His flesh was torn and scattered everywhere, and the ground of the city was covered with his blood. They cast him that night into a dark prison.
The angel of the Lord appeared to him and told him: "O Mark, the good servant, rejoice for your name has been written in the book of life, and you have been counted among the congregation of the saints." The angel disappeared, then the Lord Christ appeared to him, and gave him peace. His soul rejoiced and was glad.
The next morning, the pagans took Mark from the prison. They tied his neck with a thick rope and did the same as the day before, dragging him over the rocks and stones. Finally, Mark delivered up his pure soul in the hand of God, and received the crown of martyrdom, the apostolic crown, the crown of evangelism, and the crown of virginity.
Nevertheless, St. Mark's death did not satisfy the rage of the pagans or their hatred. They gathered firewood and prepared an inferno to burn his body. A severe storm blew in with heavy rains. The pagans became frightened, and fled away in fear.
The believers came and took the holy body of St Mark, carried it to the church they built at Bokalia, wrapped it up, prayed over him and place it in a coffin. They laid it in a secret place in this church.
Lessons from this story
In adding some detail to this history, it is important to note that this St Mark is the one that wrote down the Gospel According to St Mark. And in the Gospel of Mark, he describes Saint John the Baptist's voice (which witnesses said sounded like a roaring lion) crying out in the wilderness to prepare the way for Jesus' ministry. And Mark himself helped deliver the Gospel message to people with boldness, like a lion. So people began associating Saint Mark with lions. Mark is one of the four evangelists that the prophet Ezekiel saw in a miraculous vision of the future many years before Jesus came to earth; Mark appeared in the vision as a lion. And with the story along the river with his father, we see a symmetry with image of the lion.
Often times the lion is referred to as the “king of the jungle”, this is based on the behavior the lion takes on with regards to his territory and the other animals who dwell in it. Despite what Disney, other animals do not bow before it, but they do fear the lion.
But a lion is a fierce protector of his clan. He is unafraid of any other animal and will go to the ends of his territory to protect his family. St Mark was ordained a minister of Christ’s message, the true King, who did and still does do anything to protect his family. And to get His attention, you don’t have to roar.
Prayer
Thank you God for the great caretakers you have put in place to help those around the world enjoy the sweet taste of your great love and salvation. Grant us strength to endure the predators in the jungle so that we too may someday sit with the king.
May the prayers of St Mark the Apostle be with us all amen.
St Helena
On the 28th day of the Coptic month of Baramouda we celebrate the life of St Helena.
Helena the Empress, was born in the city of Raha (Edessa) to Christian parents about the year 247 A.D. They brought her up in a Christian manner, taught her the doctrine of the church and the religious ethics. She was very beautiful. When Emperor Constantius the First, Emperor of Byzantium, came to the city of Raha, and heard about Helena, he sought her out and married her. She gave birth to Constantine who became the first Christian Emperor. She raised him up well, and taught him philosophy, wisdom and knighthood. During the reign of her son, she saw a vision at night and heard a voice: "Go to Jerusalem and search carefully for the Honorable Cross and the Holy places." When she informed her son about this, he sent her with many soldiers to Jerusalem.
She searched for the wood of the Honorable Cross until she found it along with the other two crosses whereon the two thieves were crucified. She wanted to know which was the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. St. Macarius, bishop of Jerusalem, told her that it was the cross that was written on the top of it: "This is Jesus, king of the Jews." She asked him that she wished to see a miracle to make sure that it was the cross of the Lord. By the Will of God, a procession for a dead man was passing by at that time. She placed the other two crosses on the body of the dead man, but he did not rise. When she placed the third cross, straightway the dead man rose up. Her faith increased and her joy multiplied. She gave money to St. Macarius, to build churches. She took the honorable Cross and the nails and returned to her righteous son Emperor Constantine. He kissed the Cross and placed it in a case made of gold and decorated with precious stones, and placed some of the nails in his helmet.
St. Helena led a righteous life, and she endowed many endowments for the churches, monasteries and the poor. She departed at age of eighty.
Lessons from this story
St. Eusebius, in his book “The Life of Constantine”, described St Helena as follows: "Especially abundant were the gifts she bestowed on the naked and unprotected poor. To some she gave money, to others an ample supply of clothing; she liberated some from imprisonment, or from the bitter servitude of the mines; others she delivered from unjust oppression, and others again, she restored from exile. While, however, her character derived luster from such deeds ... , she was far from neglecting personal piety toward God. She might be seen continually frequenting His Church, while at the same time she adorned the houses of prayer with splendid offerings, not overlooking the churches of the smallest cities. In short, this admirable woman was to be seen, in simple and modest attire, mingling with the crowd of worshipers, and testifying her devotion to God by a uniform course of pious conduct"
We often describe the Roman Empire, and its god-like rulers, as some of the most corrupt souls on the planet. Yet her was a pious woman, humble before who held the ear of the most powerful human walking the planet at that time. Never was she tempted by the luxurious trappings of her prestigious position. She truly is a remarkable beacon for us to emulate. Balancing her worldly life against the true power of her eternal salvation.
Prayer
Oh God bless us with wisdom and knowledge of the true comfort that comes from you. Help us resist the temptations of power, greed and desire and to help us lead a life of prayerful thanksgiving for the bounty we enjoy through your mercy. May the prayers of St Helena be with us all amen.
St Babnuda
On the 20th day of the Coptic month of Baramouda we celebrate the life of St Babnuda.
Babnuda was from Dandara, a city along the Nile in Upper Egypt before Aswan. Babnuda was a hermit monk. The angel of the Lord appeared to him and told him to put on the priesthood vestments and go appear before Arianus, the governor.
Arianus arrived with his ship and embarked by the city of Dandara, looking for Babnuda, who came to Arianus and cried out with a loud voice, saying: "I am Christian, and I believe in the lord Jesus Christ." When the Governor knew that he was the anchorite for whom he sought, he ordered him to be tortured severely. He chained him with iron fetters and cast him in a dark prison. A heavenly light shone upon him and an angel of the Lord appeared to him, healed his wounds, and comforted him.
During this time, Babnuda continued to preach the gospels. There was a man in the city named Kyrillos, who, along with his wife, his daughter, and twelve young men, heard the saint and believed. Babnuda confirmed them in faith and they were all martyred by cutting of their heads, and they received the crown of martyrdom. Having heard of Babnuda’s continued preaching, the Governor was enraged and ordered to have a rock hung from Babnuda’s neck and cast him into the sea. St. Babnuda received the crown of martyrdom.
Lessons from this story
I have heard it said that there is fear in comfort, just as there is comfort in fear. Meaning, if you are comfortable in this life be fearful, but those who suffer for the Lord’s sake find comfort in the fear of this world. To which the wisdom of Solomon said “Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” (Proverbs 1:7) Not much is recorded about St Babnuda’s early life, before the Lord called him, other than he was a hermit monk. Which, by their nature, is the simplest of lives possible in this world, yet it too is challenged with temptations, attacks and trials. Just read the Life of St Anthony by St Athanasius to see.
The Lord called Babnuda to action. Like a soldier training for battle, Babnuda heard the call and came straightaway. He confronted the enemy on the battlefield, fought, was injured greatly, but nursed back to health by the Almighty physician and went out to battle more. Not receiving a medal of honor, but received the Crown of Honor before the Lord.
We should not see fasting as struggle, but as part of our warrior training so that when the Lord calls we fear Him more than the battles of this world.
Prayer
May the simple life, faith and obedience of St Babnuda inspire us to resist the comforts of this world. And may his prayers and intercessions on our behalf be with us all, amen.
St Athanasius Part Three
On the 7th day of the Coptic Month of Pashons we celebrate the life and struggles of the Patriarch St Athanasius the Apostolic. Part Three, Exiled but never Exited
A Greek historian testified about Athanasius saying: "Athanasius’s fluency in speech and his outspokenness in the council of Nicea brought over him all the hardships that he encountered in his life.” A prophecy of the suffering the young Athanasius would endure during his life. For light creates shadows. The greater the light, the more shadows it casts. The young Athanasius demonstrated such Divinely inspired eloquence that the devil made him his target for the reminder of his life.
After the passing of Pope Alexander, the patriarch of Alexandria, whom Athanasius had served many years, there was a renowned unified calling to make Athanasius the new Patriarch of Alexandria. This beguiled the wicked followers of Arianism. They crafted false charges against the great saint, and convened their own council at Trye to levy these allegations against the new Pope. Most of the attendants were Arians, and against Athanasius.
One of these charges alleged that Athanasius had killed a bishop sympathetic to the Arians. The Arians brought two arms of a dead person and claimed that they were the arms of Arsanius. Then Arsanius, who had shown himself to Athanasius prior to the council’s beginning, was brought in, and showed his arms to the council and declared his regrets. The Arians said that Athanasius was a sorcerer and he was able to make arms for him. They became violent against Arsanius who left the council and went to the Emperor.
Despite all the charges being rebuked, the sneaky Arius brought all the false charges against Athanasius before the Emperor. Using the fake council as proof of the new Pope’s guilt. Athanasius was called to the Emperor, but many loyal to Arius prevented his appearing. The Emperor gave his order to exile Athanasius to France in February 5th., 335 A.D. where its bishop had met him with great honor.
Arius died a horrible death and it was said: "God made Arius to die in a public washroom, where his bowels poured out of his body, and the people regarded his death as a punishment from the Divine Justice."
When the Emperor heard about the death of Arius, he recognized the innocence of Athanasius, and recommended while he was on his death bed, in the year 337 A.D. that Athanasius be returned to Alexandria.
But the remaining Arians did not stop. They assembled another fake council, where they excommunicated Athanasius. They appointed instead someone called Gregory, and they sent their decision to Pope Julius, ArchBishop of Rome. Pope Athanasius assembled a council in Alexandria in 340 A.D. where he protested against the Arians, then he wrote a letter to all the churches to declare his innocence.
However, the Arians influenced new Emperor, as well as some weak church leaders, to recognize Gregory as the Pope of Alexandria. But Gregory and his fellow Arius demons, raped Alexandria of her wealth and purity. The people of Alexandria were horrified, and decided to resist, but the Arians attacked the churches.
Pope Athanasius sought the help of all the churches in the world, left his Seat, and traveled to Rome. A council was assembled in Sardica, where they declared:
a. The innocence of Pope Athanasius b. Confirmed the cannons of the Nicean Creed.
c. They excommunicated the Arian bishops.
d. Deposed Gregory from his office.
Athanasius returned for the second time to his Chair, and the people received him with joy. Gregory the Theologian, the writer of the liturgy, described this reception saying: "The people came as the flood of the Nile," and he also pointed out to the palm branches, the carpets, and the many clapping of hands.
The Arians did not like the return of Athanasius to Alexandria, and waited unwillingly until the death of new Emperor. The Arians again falsely accused Athanasius before Emperor Constantius, claiming Athanasius was collaborating with the enemy of the Emperor. Constantius exiled Athanasius yet again. The Arians appointed George of Cappadocia, bishop on Alexandria, but the Orthodox people refused to accept him and admonished him. He responded violently, taking over all the churches and its properties.
After the death of Emperor Constantius, Julian his cousin became ruler. He wanted to rally the people of Alexandria so he returned Athanasius to his Seat. Athanasius assembled a council in 362 A.D., and provided conditions for the acceptance of the Arians that wish to return to the church. He also gave a special attention to the preaching among the pagans. This was not appreciated by Emperor Julian, who loved and supported the pagans. He therefore ordered the arrest of Athanasius.
Those around the Pope were greatly saddened because of the tribulations that befell him again and again. Athanasius told them, that in times of persecution, he felt great inner peace and that God took care of him and embraced him with His grace more than any other time in his life. He also said: "The persecution of Emperor Julian is like a summer cloud that will go away." While they were in these conversation, the news came to them that Julian was killed in his war with the Persians, and that he was killed by St. Mercurius (Abu Sefain), and that he said just before his death: "You have overcome me, O You son of Mary.”
Jovian became Emperor breifly, then Valens who was under the spell of the Arians. In 367 A.D. Valens ordered the exile of Athanasius. Athanasius was forced to leave Alexandria yet again, hid in the tomb of his father. Meanwhile, the Emperor killed 30 bishops who were pro-Athanasius. The Emperor saw the determination of the Coptic Church, and decided to lift the persecution, and return Athanasius to his Chair in 368 A.D.
Although Athanasius reached the age of 72, he did not compromise in performing his duties. For his steadfastness and his firm stand for justice, the world described him by the saying: "Athanasius against the world.” He wrote several books about the false doctrine of Arius called, On the Incarnation, as well as many other subjects, including the faithful telling of the Life of St Anthony.
Athanasius was the first Pope to wear the monastic tunic from the hand of St. Anthony. He made it the uniform for all bishops and patriarchs. He was the one who ordained St. Antonios a priest, and then Archpriest.
St Athanasius Part Two
On the 7th day of the Coptic Month of Pashons we celebrate the life and struggles of the Patriarch St Athanasius the Apostolic. Part Two, the Council and the Cancer that is Arianism.
In the summer of 325 AD, Emperor Constantine convened a council of Christian leaders from around the empire to once and for all establish universal Christological doctrine. The council was called by the Emperor to put an end to the bickering and back-biting of a growing heresy. In our liturgy, we celebrate the 318 saints that were present to defend the truth from being eroded away. Patriarchs, bishops and priests from both the west and eastern provinces ruled by the supreme Emperor, were present at the First Ecumenical Council. Despite the highest ranking church leaders debating and discussing the issue, only one voice remained the guiding light of God through the darkness of the debate, the young deacon to the Patriarch of Alexandria known as Athanasius.
This council gathered at Nicea, which is today called Iznik Turkey, was called for by the Emperor because there was a growing cancer within the leaders of the Christian church. There was a three headed snake in the midst of the faithful. A priest known as Arius, believed that Jesus Christ was created, not co-essential with the Father. Implying that there was a time when Jesus Christ was not. This belief essentially stripped Christ of His true divinity.
The leader of this cancerous growth was a charming and devious soul indeed. He managed to influence and confuse the leaders of politics and the weak of faith. But the truth remained firmly protected by Her great saints present at that time, who utterly refuted this bile. But there was a growing number who started to defend the heresy by saying that it was simply a difference of a few words. Though Emperor Constantine was a Christian, in the dirty world of power and politics, he was often swayed by the heresy. So the need arose to unite the church under one belief.
“Who has deceived you,” St Athanasius is quoted as saying. “Into believing that the Creator is a creature.” Sharp is the sword that speaks the truth and straightaway the ranks of those who followed the devil Arius, were beginning to see the light of the truth. And in the end, through the unwavering guidance of our Lord and Savior through His faithful and devoted servant Athanasius, do we get the Nicene Creed, also called the Orthodox Creed. So as you hear the creed being spoken, remember the historical importance it presented in creating our beloved church.
“WE BELIEVE IN ONE GOD, the Father, the Pantocrator, Creator of heaven and earth, and of all things seen and unseen. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages; Light of Light: true God of true God; begotten, not created; of one essence with the Father; by Whom all things were made: Who for us men, and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And on the third day He rose from the dead according to the Scriptures; Ascended into Heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father; And He is coming again, in His glory, to judge the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.
Yes, we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceeds from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spoke by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. We confess one baptism for the remission of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, And the life of the age to come. Amen.”
St Athansius Part One
Part One
On the 7th day of the Coptic Month of Pashons we celebrate the life and struggles of the Patriarch St Athanasius the Apostolic. Part One, his Early Life.
St Pope Julius of Alexandria wrote about the strong and blessed St Athanasius thus, “If precious metals, such as gold and silver, are tried in the fire, what can we say of so great a man, who has been through so many perils and afflictions?”
Athanasius was born to pagan parents sometime between the year 295 - 298 A.D. When he was in school, there were Christian children acting the Christian rituals; some as priests, some as deacons and one of them as a bishop. Athanasius asked their permission to participate with them. “You are pagan,” they proclaimed, “and you are not allowed to mix with us." He responded, "I am from now on a Christian."
They rejoiced with him, and made him a patriarch over them in the play. They enthroned him on a high place, and offered him honor and respect. The archbishop of Alexandria (also known as “pope” or “abba”) witnessed this re-enactment by the children, “The baptism of the catechumens!" He exclaimed, "but this looks to be real!"
Quickly, he called a servant and told him to go down to the children and bring them to him. Summoned to appear before the authority, the children approached with some uneasiness, and intrepidation. The young Athanasius stepped to the front of the group.
"What were you doing down there on the shore?" asked the Patriarch.
Athanasius’ clear eyes looked at him with interest, but without a vestige of fear. “We were playing," he said. "It was the baptism of the catechumens. I was the bishop, and they"—pointing to his companions, “ were the catechumens."
"Are you a Christian?" asked Alexander.
"Yes," answered the boy proudly.
"And these?"
"Catechumens."
"What did you do?"
"I poured the water on them and said the words."
"What words?"
The boy repeated the formula in perfect Greek.
"Did you pour the water as you said the words?"
"Yes."
The Patriarch's face was troubled. "It is a dangerous game to play at," he said. "What would you say if I told you that you had really baptized them?"
The boy looked at him in amazement.
"But I am not a bishop," he said.
The Patriarch could not help smiling. “Although the bishop usually does baptize the catechumens," he said, "it is not necessary that it should be a bishop, not even necessary that it should be a priest."
The boy-bishop looked grave, his companions frightened, the Patriarch thoughtful.
"What would you like to be?" The Archpriest asked of the young Athanasius.
"A priest," was the prompt answer.
"A bishop perhaps?" asked Alexander with a smile, "you think it is an easy and a glorious life?"
The boy's eyes looked straight into the Patriarch's.
"The blessed Peter was a martyr," he answered.
"You need much learning to be a priest."
"I love learning," said the boy.
Alexander noted the broad, intelligent brow, the keen eyes and the clear-cut face before him. His heart went out to this frank and fearless lad who loved the martyrs. Later Pope Alexander wrote about Athanasius: "This child would be in a great position one day."
When Athanasius' father died, his mother brought him to Pope Alexander, who taught them the principles of the Christian faith and baptized them. They gave their money to the poor, and stayed with the Pope, who taught Athanasius the church subjects, ordained him deacon and made him a personal secretary.
St Domicos
On the 27th day of the Coptic month of Baramhat we celebrate the life of St Domicos.
During a time of peace between Persia and Rome, King Sapor of Persia travelled to pay tribute to the lover of God, Emperor Constantine. A dispute took place between Emperor Julian and Sapor, king of Persia. Sapor prepared an army to fight the Romans. Julian offered sacrifices to his idols in the city of Cassius, which was about six miles from Antioch where the temple of Apollon was. Julius went along with magicians, sorcerers and an army to meet the Persians. On his way he passed by an isolated place, where he saw a multitude of men, women, and children.
When he asked about this multitude they told him: "A monk who lives in a cave in this place, performs miracles and heals the sick. The multitudes that you see are the Christians that came to get his blessing and be cured of their various illnesses." Julian became enraged and sent a soldier to to confront this monk called Domicos. The soldier threatened the monk saying: "If you are living in this cave to please God so why are you seeking the gratitude of men? Why don't you hide yourself from them?" Domicos replied, "I have given my soul and body to the hands of the creator of heaven and earth, the Lord Jesus Christ, and spent many years in seclusion in this cave. As for those who come to me with a strong faith, I can not dismiss them." When the Emperor heard his answer, he ordered his soldiers to seal the mouth of the cave with a wall, sealing Domicos inside where he delivered up his soul in the year 362 AD.
Lessons from this story
This is perhaps the shortest detail of a saint’s life we have come across so far. Which is a tribute to the humility of this Saint’s life. But his account, or that is to say, the miracles and wonders he performed in the name of Jesus Christ are what led us to know his story.
Faith is accepting something at face value, even when there is not strong evidence to prove or disprove. With so little detail available today about this saint’s life, his miracles performed and the multitude of lives brought to Christ by his service is unknown. But the year this took place, it is very likely truthful and accurate.
We may never know the true impact our lives have had over others. How we react in times of crisis, trials and tribulations may have a tremendous impact on those around us without us ever knowing. “Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.” (Matthew 5:15) Our faith in God is infectious, and when we demonstrate that faith even in the midst of our darkest hours can this light shine for others to see.
Saint Domicos did not seek fame, only complete servitude to the Will of God. And the fame the soldier saw with human eyes, as mentioned in this story, was not glory to the monk but to Jesus. So in truth, the torturous death laid against this monk by the passing emperor, the sealing of the cave, was actually a relief to the humble monk. For all we know, this may have even been in answer to a prayer by the monk.
Prayer
God help us in our struggle with this world to ever keep our eyes on you and the eternal prize that awaits those who persevere in your name. May the prayers and intercessions of this humble Saint Domicos be with us always, amen.
St Thomas the Apostle
On the 26th day of the Coptic month of Pashons we celebrate the life of St. Thomas the apostle.
The Holy and Glorious Apostle Thomas was born in the Galilean city of Pansada and was a fisherman. Hearing the good tidings of Jesus Christ, he left all and followed after Him. When the Lord wanted to go to raise Lazarus from the dead, Thomas said to the other disciples: "Let us also go that we may die with Him.” (John 11:16). And it was to Thomas the Lord Jesus clarified "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6). And lastly, when the Lord Christ appeared to the disciples after the resurrection, it was Thomas that proved it was the resurrected Christ in the flesh. (John 20:24-28).
After the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost in the Upper room in Zion, the apostles dispersed everywhere to preach the Gospel. Thomas went to India. He worked there as a slave to a friend of the Indian Prefect for the city of Melipur, whose name was Lukios. Thomas was brought before the Prefect who inquired about his profession. Thomas said: "I am a builder, a carpenter and a physician.” He preached in his master's palace, and Lukios' wife and all his household believed.
The Prefect asked Thomas about his achievements, to which he replied, "The palaces that I built were the souls that have become the temples of the King of Glory; the carpentry that I did was the Gospel that removes the thorns of sin; and the medicines I practiced are the Holy Mysteries which heal the poison of the evil one.” Lukios became angry and tortured him, and bound him among four poles, cut off his skin and rubbed his wounds with salt and lime. The apostle Thomas endured the pains with humility and prayer. Lukios' wife saw him suffering, and she fell from the window and died. Lukios came to him and said: "If you raise my wife from the dead, I will believe in your God." Thomas went to the room where the dead body was, and said, "Arsonia, rise in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ." She rose instantly and bowed to the apostle. When her husband saw that, he believed as did many more from the city. Thomas baptized them.
Once the sea drove a huge tree to the shore that no one could lift it up. Thomas asked the Prefect for permission to lift it up and to use its wood in building a church. Lukios granted permission. Thomas made the sign of the cross, raising the huge tree, from which he later built a church, to which he ordained a bishop and priests in the name of Jesus Christ.
Thomas left and went to a city called Kontaria, where he found an old man weeping bitterly because the prefect of that city had killed his six children. The apostle prayed over them, and the Lord raised them up. The idol priests were angry, and wanted to stone him. The first raised a stone to throw it at Thomas, and his hand was paralyzed. Thomas prayed over his hand, and he was healed instantly. All the idol priests believed in the Lord Christ. Then Thomas went to the city of Parkenas and other cities, where he preached in the Name of Jesus Christ. The prefect heard about him, and he put him in prison. When he found out that he was teaching the prisoners the way of God, he tortured him, and at last he cut off his head.
According to Church Tradition, the holy Apostle Thomas founded Christian churches in Palestine, Mesopotamia, Parthia, Ethiopia and India.
Lessons from this story
In his homily on the Apostle Thomas (Homily 87) St John Chrysostom points out a very important aspect. In having Thomas verify that it was the resurrected Christ in the flesh, he solidifies in the minds of these uneducated fisherman, that the Christ resurrected in the flesh was one and the same with the Christ that walked on water, before the crucifixion. That neither were an apparition but real and tangible. Chrysostom uses the word “condescension”, which means “that which was so subtle and light as to enter in when the doors were shut (meaning death), was free from all density, (meaning nothing could chain Him or prevent His movement freely). Thomas irrefutably proves the flesh of the Crucified One, by touching the marks of the nails and inserting his finger in the still open wound where the spear went through. Thomas proclaimed he believed this could be nothing but the resurrected Christ in the flesh.
Some icons depicting this event are inscribed “The Doubting Thomas.” This is incorrect. In Greek, the inscription reads, “The Touching of Thomas.” In Slavonic, it says, “The Belief of Thomas.” For when Saint Thomas touched the Life-giving side of the Lord, he no longer had any doubts.
Chrysostom also says, “Thomas, being once weaker in faith than the other apostles, toiled through the grace of God more bravely, more zealously and tirelessly than them all, so that he went preaching over nearly all the earth, not fearing to proclaim the Word of God to savage nations.”
Prayer
Oh Lord, help us to be carpenters, building church communities in Your Name. Help us to be healers by ministering Your words of Peace to a desperate world. Guide us. May the prayers and supplications of Saint Thomas the Apostle be with us all, amen.
St Karas
On the 8th day of the Coptic month of Abib we celebrate the life of Saint Karas. He born Cyrus, the brother of Emperor Theodosius the Great. So he knew well the vanity of the world and its temporal nature. So Cryus left all his possessions and went out wandering without a destination. God guided him to the inner Western Wilderness, where he lived for many years alone, until was met by St Bemwa, who shares his story.
"I will teach you my brothers of what went on during one of these days." I heard a voice saying to me three times "YA BEMWA...YA BEMWA...YA BEMWA...", and it came to my attention that the voice was a heavenly voice from the sky and not familiar to me. Since not too many people called me by my name I raised my eyes towards heaven and said, "Speak O' Lord for your servant is listening", and the voice said to me "get up Bemwa and hurry speedily to the inner wilderness where you will meet St. Karas and take his blessing for he is very honorable to me more than anyone else for many are the times that he has tired himself for Me, and My peace will be with you."
So I left my church and headed out in the wilderness alone in great joy while I did not know the way, assured that the Lord which has commanded me will lead me. Three days passed, and I still traveled alone. On the fourth day I arrived at one of the caves and the entrance was closed with a great rock. I proceeded to the entrance and knocked as it is a habit of the brothers and said AGHABY (AGAPE) meaning LOVE and said bless me o saintly father. Instantly I heard a voice from the inside saying to me "it is good that you be here today Bemwa, priest of the church of the mountain of sheebhat that is worthy of the burial of the blessed St. Elarya, daughter of the great king Zenon." The door was opened for me and I entered and he kissed me and I kissed him, and we sat discussing God’s greatness and His glory. I said to him "My saintly father, is there another in this mountain that resembles you?". He stared at my face and sighed then said, "My beloved son there is in the inner wilderness a great saint that the world is not deserving of a single step of his feet, and he is St. Karas." Then I stood and asked, "then my father who are you?" He said to me, "I am Simon El Kallah, and it is to me this day sixty years without seeing the face of a man, and was blessed every Saturday with a loaf of bread placed on that stone which you see outside the cave."
After I was blessed by him I walked on in the wilderness three more days in prayer and praises until I reached another cave with it’s entrance closed. I knocked and said bless me my saintly father. He answered me saying, "It is well your arrival to us saint of God, St. Bemwa, who was deserving of anointing the body of St. Elarya daughter of king Zenon enter in peace." I entered and we sat speaking and I said to him "I was told that there is in the wilderness another saint that resembles you?" He stood, sighed and said to me "great is my... I inform you my father that in this wilderness is a great saint that his prayers stops the anger that descends from heaven, he is him that truly a partner of the angels." I asked him "And what is your name my father the saint?" He said " My name is Abbamoud El Kallah, and it has been to me in this wilderness seventy nine years living on these palms that yields dates, thanking Christ."
After he blessed me I left his dwelling with joy and peace and proceeded at night finding myself unable to see the road and unable to walk. After a while had passed I opened my eyes and found myself in front of a cave in, I proceeded to the entrance and knocked and said "AGHABY" and instantly a voice spoke to me from the inside saying, "It is well that you came today St. Bemwa, saint of god, who was worthy of anointing the body of St. Elarya daughter of king Zenon." So I entered the cave and stared at him for a long while, for he was of a strong presence and humbleness. He was a person of radiance and the grace of God reflected in his face, his eyes were very shiny, and he was of medium stature with a long beard that had only a few black hairs left in it. Wearing a simple galabia (gown), for he was very skinny with a light voice and a cane in his hand. He said, "You have come to me today and brought me with you death, for today a long while I have waited for you my beloved." I said to him "And what is your name my father the saint?" He said to me "My name is Karas." So I asked him, "how many years have you been in this wilderness?" He said to me, "In fifty seven years I have not seen the face of a man, and I waited for you with all joy and eagerness." Then I dwelt with him for a day, at the end of the day our father Karas became sick with a great fever, and he would sigh and cry. He said "That which I have feared all my life has come to me today so Lord where do I hide from your face? How do I hide? Truly great is the fear of this hour...according to your mercy O' Lord and not according to my sins."
When the sun rose the second day and Karas was lying in bed unable to move, a great light that surpasses the sun shined at the entrance of the cave, and in came a man with great radiance wearing white clothing glissing. In his right hand a glowing cross. I was in that time sitting at the feet of Karas and was overcome with fear and awe. This radiant man proceeded towards Karas and placed the cross on his face, and spoke with him many words and gave us peace and departed. I asked Karas who is this man with all this glory? He said to me with all happiness, "That is CHRIST THE LORD as it is His habit to come to me everyday to bless me, and converse with me and then depart." I said to him "My dear father I too desire for the Lord of grace to bless me." So he said to me "Before you leave this place you will see CHRIST THE LORD in His glory and He will bless you and talk with you also." When we had come to the seventh day of the month abib I found that Karas had raised his eyes to heaven while gushing with tears and said to me "Today a great pillar has fallen in rural Egypt, and the whole earth has lost a great saint that the whom none is worthy of being his footstool. Anba Shenouda the Archimandrite and I have seen his blessed spirit ascending to the highest of the heaven in the praising of the angels, and I hear crying and wailing all over the land of rural Egypt. The monks have gathered around the blessed body, being blessed by it as it radiates with light." When I heard that I kept in mind the remembrance of the passing away of Anba Shenouda the Archimandrite as the seventh of abib. On the following day or the eighth of abib the illness of the monk Karas grew stronger, and in the middle of that day a strong light appeared at the door of the cave and entered the Savior of the world. Preceding Him were archangels Michael and Gabriel with a fleet of angels adorned with six wings and the sounds of praises here and there with the smell of incense. I was seated at the feet of St. Karas, so the Lord of Glory sat at the head of St. Karas, who held our Savior’s right hand and said to him "For my sake O' my Lord and my God, bless him for he has come to me from a far place for the sake of this day." The Lord of Glory looked to me and said, "My peace be with you bemwa, what you have seen and heard you shall write for others to read. As for you karas, my beloved, every man that knows your story and makes remembrance of your name on earth, my peace shall be with him and i shall count him with the commemoration of the holy saints, and every man that offers wine, bread, incense, oil or candle in remembrance of your name i shall reward him in the heavenly kingdom. And whoever feeds him who is hungry, gives drink to him who is thirsty, clothes him who is naked or takes in a stranger in your name i shall reward them in my kingdom. And he who writes your holy story i will write his name in the book of life. Everyone who has mercy in your memory i will give him what no eye has seen and what no ear has heard.
And now my beloved karas i want you to ask me a favor to do for you before your passing." So St. Karas said to him "my Lord I used the psalms day and night and I desired to see David the Prophet while I’m in the flesh." And in a blink of an eye David appeared holding in his hand a harp and playing the psalm ‘this is the day which the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad in it.’ St. Karas said, "I want to hear all ten strings in one tune and the songs and praises together." So David moved his harp and said "precious before the lord is the sound of those who obey him." While David sang the psalms with the harp and his beautiful voice, the saint in great rejoice let his spirit leave his holy body to the bosom of our good Savior, Who took it, kissed it, and gave it to archangel Michael.
Then I, Bemwa, leaped and kissed the body of St. Karas and anointed it, and the Lord of Glory signaled to me to walk out. So I did and He walked out and with Him the angels with praises and prayers in front of the spirit of the saint and we left his body in the cave. The Lord placed his hands on the cave and it became as it never had an entrance, and all ascended to heaven in joy, and I remained alone in that position until that beautiful sight was gone from me.
Then I closed my eyes from the strength of the light and glorious sight, when I opened them again I found myself in front of the cave of St. Abbamod El Kallah so I dwelt with him three days then I left and went to St Simon El Kallah and dwelt with him three days more. Then I left him and returned to mount sheehat where my church is. There I met all the brothers and told them the story of blessed St. Karas. After five days a letter came to us from rural Egypt saying that St. Anba Shenouda the Archimandrite had passed away in peace on the same day as St. Karas saw him.
Lessons from this story
In hearing this story we must marvel at how incredibly remorseful each saint
St. Macarius the Great
On the 25th day of the Coptic month of Baramhat we celebrate the life of St Macarius the Great.
Macarius was born in the Egyptian city of Shabsheer-Menuf to good and righteous parents. His father's name was Abraham and his mother's name was Sarah and, like the Biblical references, they too had no son. In a vision at night Abraham saw the angel of the Lord and told him that God was about to give him a son, that his name will be known all over the earth, and he will have a multitude of spiritual sons. Shortly after, Macarius (which means "Blessed”) was born.
He was obedient to his parents, and the grace of God was upon him from a young age. When he grew up his father forced him to get married against his will, so he pretended that he was sick for several days, avoiding his new wife. Then he asked his father if he might go to the wilderness to relax to help him recover from his illness faster. He went to the wilderness and prayed to the Lord Christ to direct him to do what is pleasing to the Lord. While he was in the wilderness he saw a vision. A Cherubim took his hands, ascended up to the top of a mountain, and showed him all the desert in all directions. The Cherub told him: "God has given this desert to you and your sons for an inheritance." When he returned from the wilderness he found that God had received his virgin wife.
Shortly after, his parents also departed. Macarius gave all that he had inherited to the poor and needy. When the people of Shabsheer saw his chastity and purity, they took him to the bishop of Ashmoun who ordained him a priest for them. They built a place for him outside the city. They went to him to confess and to partake from the Holy Mysteries. They also appointed a servant to take care of his needs and to sell for him the work of his hands.
When Satan saw Macarius grow in virtues, he brought on him a severe temptation. He inspired a girl that had defiled herself with a man to claim that Macarius was the defiler. Her family went to him, insulted and beat him severely, inflicting much pain. Macarius endured silently, saying to himself, "O Macarius now you have a wife and a child, and it is meet for you to work day and night for your own food and for that of your child and your wife."
He worked continually at weaving mats and baskets, giving them to his servant to sell, then giving the money to the woman. When the day of her delivery drew near her labor was exceedingly difficult. She suffered for four days and did not deliver until she confessed her false accusation and named the man that defiled her.
Her family wanted to beg for forgiveness, but Macarius, having heard of her confession, fled from them for fear of vanity.
At that time he was 30 years old, and the angel of the Lord appeared to him and walked with him for two days until they came to Wadi El-Natroun and Macarius asked the angel: "Appoint for me O master a place to live in." The angel replied: "I have not marked out a place for you to live, lest you leave it in the future and transgress the commandment of God. Behold, all the wilderness is yours, so wheresoever you wish, live there."
Macarius dwelt in the Inner Desert, in the place of the monastery of Sts. Maximus and Domadius which is known now by the monastery of El-Baramous. He went to visit St. Antonios, who said about Macarius, when he saw him, "This is an Israelite in whom there is no guile."
St. Antonios put on him the Holy Eskeem, then Macarius returned to his place. When the number of monks increased around him he built a church for them. His fame was known all over the country and many kings and Emperors heard about the miracles that God performed through his hands. He healed the daughter of the king of Antioch that was possessed by an unclean spirit. The angel of the Lord appeared to him and took him to a place and told him to make this place his abode, for many people will come to him in that place. He built a cell for himself and a church.
He thought one day that the world had no more righteous people, so a voice came to him from heaven saying: "In the city of Alexandria there are two women who fear God." He took his staff, his provisions, and went to Alexandria and asked around until he reached their house. When he entered, they welcomed him, washed his feet with warm water, and when he asked them about their life, one of them told him thus, "There is no kinship between us and when we married these two brothers we asked them to leave us to be nuns but they refused. So we committed ourselves to spend our life fasting and prayers till evening. Each of us had a son, when one of them cried, any one of us would carry and nurse him even if he was not her own son. We are in one living arrangement. The unity in opinion is our model, and our husbands work is shepherding sheep. We are poor and only have our daily bread and what is left over we give it to the poor and needy."
When Macarius heard these words he cried saying: "Indeed God looks to the readiness of the heart and grants the grace of His Holy Spirit for all those who wish to worship him." He bade them farewell and left returning to the wilderness.
On the day of his departure, he saw Sts. Antonios and Pachomius, with a company of saints, and he delivered up his soul. He was ninety-seven years old.
Lessons from this story
Walking the thin road of salvation is very difficult. In Theophan the Recluse’s book “Unseen Warfare”, the writer warns of this danger. As you struggle to shake off the dirt of this world and begin to attain purity before the Lord, you begin to rise. Like a balloon rising ever more to the heavens. But take care, for at this state the slightest wind can change your course. A beautiful analogy on the struggles these saints go through.
Here we have a humbled soul that even when falsely accused did not defend himself. Like Saint Marina the Ascetic, Saint Macarius took this charge against him without defense. Yet when the truth was revealed and someone was seeking forgiveness from this saint - he fled. But then later, he fell into judgement of the world, thinking there were no more righteous people in the world. And God showed him but one example of others who sacrifice themselves to God. Theophan the Recluse’s point is well taken, that if you aspire to achieve purity before the Lord, you can quickly fall victim to a single breeze of vanity.
Consider this, the two women God directed the saint to visit are without names. They may never be listed in the Synxar or celebrated in a feast. But God knows them purposefully. As we read the life of one saint, know there are probably hundreds more that go unnoticed by us - but never by God the Father, Creator of all.
Prayer
Thank you God for these lives lived in the Glory of Your name. Help us to learn from their examples that we too may achieve purity in Your eyes - whether noticed or unnoticed. For in truth, we must know that when we are known the devil is tempted to attack us. Give us strength to live in purity and chastity for an example to You alone. May the prayers and intercessions of Saint Macarius the Great be with us always, amen.
St James the Mangled
On the 27th day of the Coptic month of Hator we celebrate the Life of Saint James the Mangled.
James was one of the soldiers of Sakrod, the son of Shapur, King of Persia. Because of his courage and his uprightness, he was promoted to the highest rank in the king's court. He found favor and access to the king, who even counselled with him on many affairs. In this way, he influenced James greatly to the extent that he turned his heart away from worshipping the Lord Christ.
When his mother, his wife, and his sister heard that he adopted the king's belief, they wrote to him saying, "Why have you forsaken the faith in the Lord Christ and worshipped the created objects, the fire and the sun? Know that if you persist in what you are doing, we will disown you and you will become a stranger to us." When he read their letter, he wept and said, "If by doing that, I have become a stranger to my own family and my people, how would the situation be with my Lord Jesus Christ?" Consequently, he resigned from the king's service and devoted his time to reading the holy books.
When the news reached the king, he summoned for James. When the King saw the change that had befallen him, he ordered that James be beaten severely and if he did not change his belief, he was to be cut up with knives. They cut off his fingers, his hands, his legs and his arms. Each time they cut off a piece of his body, he praised the Lord and sang saying, "Have mercy upon me O Lord according to Your great compassion." (Psalm 50:1) Eventually, nothing was left of him except his head, his breast and his loins.
When he knew that his time was near, he entreated the Lord to have mercy and compassion upon the world and the people therein. He apologized for not standing in the presence of the mighty Lord and said, "I have neither legs to stand before Thee, nor hands to lift up to Thee, behold the parts of my body have been cast around me, O Lord receive my soul." Straightaway, the Lord Christ appeared to him, comforted, and strengthened him and his soul rejoiced. Before he delivered up his soul, one of the guards made haste and cut off his head. He thus received the crown of martyrdom. Some of the believers then came forward and took his body, wrapped it and buried it.
When his mother, his sister, and his wife heard that he was martyred, they rejoiced for his soul and came to where the body was and kissed it, weeping. They shrouded it in expensive cloth and poured sweet scents and perfumed oil over it. A church and a monastery were built in his name during the reign of the righteous Emperors Arcadius and Honourius.
When the king of Persia heard the news of the miracles and wonders which appeared through the body of St. James and of the other honored martyrs, he ordered all the bodies of the martyrs in all parts of his kingdom, to be burnt. Some of the believers came and took the body of St. James and brought it to Jerusalem and entrusted it to St. Peter El-Rahawy, Bishop of Gaza.
The body remained there until the reign of Marcianus, who persecuted the Orthodox Christians everywhere. St. Peter, the Bishop, took the body to Egypt. There he went to the city of Behnasa, where he stayed in a monastery occupied by devoted monks. It happened that at the sixth hour, while they were praying in the place where the holy body was laid, St. James appeared to them with many other martyrs of Persia. They joined them in singing, blessed them and disappeared. Before leaving, however, St. James told them that his body should stay there as the Lord commanded. Despite this, when Anba Peter the Bishop, decided to return to his country, he took the body with him. When he arrived at the seashore, the body was taken from their hands and returned to the place where it had originally been.
Lessons from this story
“..what God has joined together, let no one separate.” (Matt 19:6) There are many of us that get drawn away from a life in the church. This world is filled with alluring deceptions designed specifically to preoccupy you so there is no room for reading the Bible, going to church or even fasting. Understand that this is by the design of the evil one. Is it wrong to want to work and make a comfortable living for you and your family? Of course not, but you should know that it is all temporary and can be taken away in the blink of an eye. Yes do your part in this world to ensure safety for you and your family, but that includes time for God, time for your spiritual salvation.
There is a growning at times that the liturgy at church is too long. The deacons chant linger too long, or the sermon puts you to sleep, whatever the reason, there at times is s grumbling that the liturgy is too long. “After a week of working 12 to 14 hours a day I just need a day of rest.” No one faults you for that. In fact God agrees with you that there should be a day of rest. But understand the meaning, it is a day of rest, not a day of laziness.
Rest your cares at the foot of the altar. Rest your fears upon the icon of the risen creator. Rest your anxieties about work, life and family on the words of comfort that come from your time with God. A visit with Him is just as important as visit with a dear friend, a parent or other loved one. Important for both you and Him. A day of rest? Yes, a day for you to rest your weary soul and drink from the fountain of eternal youth and energy.
And just like St. James, if you get too lazy in your faith, your mother, your sister and your wife will let you know.
Prayer
Lord always strengthen our resolve to ever work on a lasting relationship with you, a daily communion between us, that our spirits and souls are lifted above the dirt of this world. May the prayers of St James be with us always, amen.
St Christopher
On the 2nd day of the Coptic month of Baramouda we celebrate the life of Saint Christopher.
Christopher was known to be unsightly and a giant of a man, but the soul of a good and gentle man. During the reign of Emperor Decius, Christopher had been captured by imperial soldiers. Christopher admonished them for their ill treatment of Christians. Their captain beat him severely in response to this admonishment. “If it was not for the command of Christ,” Christopher boldly stated. “Which teaches me not to do unto others what they do unto us; you and your soldiers could not be delivered from my hands.”
When Decius heard of the courage of this single man, he dispatched two hundred soldiers to bring him in. With Christopher in tow, and on their way back to the Emperor, they ran out of bread, except for a very small portion. Christopher prayed and God blessed that little portion into an abundance of bread. The soldiers marvelled and believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, the God of Christopher. Upon returning to Antioch, the soldiers were baptized by the hands of Pope Paul the Patriarch.
Eventually Christopher was brought forth before the Emperor and Decius trembled in fear at the appearance of this hulking man. But that imperial snake tried to charm, persuade and deceive Christopher into denying his faith in Christ. Bringing forth two attractive women to try and seduce Christopher. But to the dismay of Decius, Christopher brought the women to Christ and they proclaimed their faith before the Emperor. Enarged, he had their heads cut off - and they received the crown of martyrdom.
The emperor had Christopher put into a boiling hot cauldron, but Christopher was unharmed. The people witnessing this event, believed in the power of Christian faith and believed in Jesus Christ. Disgusted by his attempts to tame the rise of Christianity even in his own court, the Emperor Decius ordered a heavy stone be tied around the giant’s neck and then have him thrown into a pit. But the angel of the Lord took him out of the pit safely. Finally the Emperor has his head cut off, and Christopher received the crown of martyrdom.
Lessons from this story
Christopher, or in Greek “Christophorus” means “bearing Christ.” The story you have heard is the Coptic telling of Christopher’s martyrdom in the name Jesus Christ. But there is a Catholic telling of this same saint, that has elements important to his reference as the “patron saint of travellers”.
Because of his size, he worked along a river, helping travellers to cross a sometimes roaring river. He had long been brought to Christ by a hermit who taught him about the King of Kings. As the legend goes, Christopher was asked to help a small boy to cross the river. Christopher obliged. However, as he approached midstream, the river rose and the child's weight grew, becoming extremely heavy. It was only by great exertion that Christopher safely delivered the child to the other side.
When Christopher asked the child why he was so heavy, the child explained that He was Christ and when Christopher carried Him, he also carried the weight of the whole world on his shoulders. The child then vanished. This telling of his story has passed down from many, many generations. There have been some debate about his past, but his sainthood has never been questioned.
God knows the truth. Not just about Christopher, but about you and me. He knows intimately, even better than we know ourselves. How many times have you done something that someone else got the credit for your effort or idea? This has probably happened more than once in your life. But God knows the truth. In the telling of Saint Christopher’s time of martyrdom, it was not his hulking strength that ultimately saved him, but his faith. Do not burden yourself with the credit deserved, for your credit is always good and safe with God.
Prayer
May the prayers and intercessions of St Christopher be with us all, amen.
St Abraam the Bishop
On the 2nd day of the Coptic month of Baouna we celebrate the life of St Abraam the Bishop.
In the year 1829, in a village of Egypt called "Calad", was born the child Paul Gabriel. His parents were righteous and loved God.
He was sent to a church school where his teacher taught him reading, writing, arithmetic, the Holy Scriptures, psalms, ecclesiastic hymns and psalmody. He was very intelligent and anxious to learn everything.
When he was eight years old, his mother became very ill, and a few weeks later died, leaving behind a lonely child... As he loved prayers and psalms, he found in it that God can bless his emotions and fill all his heart.
When he was fifteen years old, he got famous among his mates; the priests recommended him to the Bishop of the Diocese, who ordained him as a deacon during his visit to the village's Church.
As he loved the life of contemplation with God, so he joined El-Meharraki Monastery in Assuit Egypt. He was very decent, active, and loved all the monks. They recommended him and he was ordained as a monk when he was nineteen years old. His new name was Father Paul El-Meharraki.
The Bishop heard about him, and asked the young monk to come to the "Bishop's house" and remain with him. Father Paul worked day and night and changed the "Bishop's house" to a shelter for the poor.
His deep eagerness for contemplating with God turned him to ask the bishop to return back to the monastery, having spent four years helping the bishop. The Bishop ordained him as a priest and allowed him to return to the monastery.
At that time there was a problem regarding Father Abdel-Malek, who was in charge of the monastery, but Father Paul did not interfere with these problems .
So the monks chose him to be in charge of the monastery. He opened the doors of the monastery for poor people. Many young men heard about Father Paul and came to him for guidance. After a short time they all became monks.
As usual the devil was furious when he saw the monastery opened for the poor. And seeing many young people changed by their love for Jesus and continuous prayers. So the devil made some of the monks think that Fr. Paul was wasting the money of the monastery and they rebelled against him.
In 1870, Fr. Paul was asked to leave the monastery after being in charge for only five years.
Father Paul went with four of his students to Cairo to meet with Anba Marcos the Bishop, who at that time was acting Pope. They asked him to go to the Monastery of Anba Bishoy at the "Natroun-Valley" in the western desert of Egypt, where they remained for a short period of time. Afterwards they went to the next door monastery of El-Baramous in 1871. At that time the president of this monastery was Father John, who later became Pope Kyrillos. He was so glad to receive them and he offered them a place to stay.
Fr. Paul devoted all his time to praying and studying but his deep love for the poor people did not end. He loved the hostile Arabs who were living in the area of the monastery and he shared with them everything he had, even his clothes.
In 1881 the Ethiopian Emperor, John Kassa asked Pope Kyrillos, to ordain a metropolitan and three Bishops for the Ethiopian Empire, so he chose the four fathers who were accompanying Fr. Paul,
At the same time Anba Isaac the metropolitan of the province of Fayoum and Gieza departed, then the four fathers asked the Pope to ordain their father as a bishop for that diocese. The Pope and the people of the Fayoum became happy and joyful on that day, for the ordination of their new bishop "ANBA ABRAAM", in 1881.
During his time, the Diocese of the Fayoum became a great vine, in whose shadow the poor and rich sat with great delight.
When the Ruler of Egypt, Tawfik, visited El-Fayoum they made a great lunch-party. Anba Abraam was sitting near the ruler and did not eat except salad. When Tawfiq asked him why, he answered that the Christians are to fast on all Fridays. Tawfiq was moved by Anba Abraam deeply, saying to him "You are a Blessed man..."
In the year 1893 Anba Abraam was seriously ill with his leg and the doctors decided to perform surgery to cut off his leg. When one of his spiritual children told him this, he smiled and said "God will not let it happen. I am sure He will let them down!"
Two months later he recovered completely and went out to the Church praising God. The Bishop's house was very crowded. The people held the palm leaves and they were waving the olive branches with joy, when they heard of his recovery.
On Thursday June 9 1914 after the sunset, our blessed father departed to Paradise. It is said that his funeral was attended by twenty five thousand, both Christians and Muslims.
Lessons from this story
“Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God.” (Matthew 5:9) Everybody has an opinion. Conversely, everybody wants to feel like their opinion is important. But often times our own egos get in the way of progress. Anba Abraam demonstrated restraint even in the midst of turmoil. Humility before the Lord is a very powerful tool that we all too often do not get to exercise. “No I want your opinion, your honest opinion.” They ask. But all too often a person is simply looking for another person to agree with them. Navigating between being faithful and honest while being respectful and humble is a rope so thin, even your hair is thicker. The Coptic church has had to walk that very same thin strand throughout its history. Balance a salvitic life with living under various rulers. It is truly remarkable our blessed church has survived all these years. It is to works of saints like Anba Abraam that guide in spiritual matters but depart matters of the flesh, politics and strife. His ability to make peace among even those who prefer strife is well documented in his life.
Being consistent is hard for the tide of this life ebbs and flows, but that is Jesus Christ - consistent. He is love, but loving your enemy is not easy. He is compassionate, but having sympathy for those who ignore wise direction is challenging. He was forgiving even to those who beat him both mercilessly and joyfully.
The Coptic church has been favored by God to have not only survived as long as it has, intact, but also to have survived some of the most brutal attacks history has ever recorded. We learn to be peacemakers through the lives of saints, but whether we can be is only up to us.
Prayer
Oh father in heaven, rain your strength down on us and grant us the ability to see your wisdom in all matters. Help us to guide our lives to avoid the pitfalls set by the devil, and focus solely on You, Your Will and Your Words. May the prayers and intercessions of St Anba Abraam the Bishop be with us all, amen.
St Anthony the Great
On the 22nd day of the Coptic Month of Toba we celebrate the life of St Anthony the Great.
(This is based on The Life of St Anthony by St Athanasius)
1. Antony you must know was by descent an Egyptian: his parents were of good family and possessed considerable wealth, and as they were Christians he also was reared in the same Faith. In infancy he was brought up with his parents, knowing nought else but them and his home. But when he was
grown and arrived at boyhood [cf. Lk 2.40], and was advancing in years [cf. Lk 2.52], he could not endure to learn letters, not caring to associate with other boys; but all his desire was, as it is written of Jacob, to live a plain man at home [cf. Gen 25.27]. With his parents he used to attend the Lord’s House, and neither as a child was he idle nor when older did he despise them; but was both obedient [cf. Lk 2.51] to his father and mother and attentive [cf. 1 Tim 4.31] to what was read, keeping in his heart what was profitable in what he heard. And though as a child brought up in moderate affluence, he did not trouble his parents for varied or luxurious fare, nor was this a source of pleasure to him; but was content simply with what he found nor sought anything further.
Anthony’s Call and His First Steps in Asceticism
2. After the death of his father and mother he was left alone with one little sister: his age was about eighteen or twenty, and on him the care both of home and sister rested. Now it was not six months after the death of his parents, and going according to custom into the Lord’s House, he communed with himself and reflected as he walked how the Apostles left all and followed the Savior [cf. Mt 4.20]; and how they in the Acts [cf. 4.35-7] sold their possessions and brought and laid them at the Apostles’ feet for distribution to the needy, and what and how great a hope was laid up for them in heaven. Pondering over these things he entered the church, and it happened the Gospel was being read, and he heard the Lord saying to the rich man, “If you would be perfect, go and sell what you have and give to the poor; and come follow Me and you shall have treasure in heaven” [Mt 19.21]. Antony, as though God had put him in mind of the Saints, and the passage had been read on his account, went out immediately from the church, and gave the possessions of his forefathers to the villagers–they were three hundred acres,” productive and very fair–that they should be no more a clog upon himself and his sister. And all the rest that was movable he sold, and having got together much money he gave it to the poor, reserving a little however for his sister’s sake.
3. And again as he went into the church, hearing the Lord say in the Gospel, “be not anxious for the morrow” [Mt 6.35], he could stay no longer, but went out and gave those things also to the poor. Having committed his sister to known and faithful virgins, and put her into a convent to be brought up, he henceforth devoted himself outside his house to discipline, taking heed to himself [cf. Dt 4.9, 15.9; Lk 17.3, 21] and training himself with patience. For there were not yet so many monasteries in Egypt, and no monk at all knew of the distant desert; but all who wished to give heed to themselves practised the discipline in solitude near their own village.
Now there was then in the next village an old man who had lived the life of a hermit from his youth up. Antony, after he had seen this man, imitated him in piety [cf. Gal 4.18]. And at first he began to abide in places outside the village: then if he heard of a good man anywhere, like the prudent bee [cf. Prov 6.8], he went forth and sought him, nor turned back to his own place until he had seen him; and he returned, having got from the good man as it were supplies for his journey in the way of virtue.
So dwelling there at first, he confirmed his purpose not to return to the abode of his fathers nor to the remembrance of his kinsfolk; but to keep all his desire and energy for perfecting his discipline. He worked, however, with his hands, having heard, “he who is idle let him not eat” [2 Ths 3.10], and part he spent on bread and part he gave to the needy. And he was constant in prayer, knowing that a man ought to pray in secret [cf. Mt 6.6] unceasingly [cf. 1 Ths 5.17]. For he had given such heed to what was read that none of the things that were written fell from him to the ground [cf. 1 Sam 3.19, Lk 8.15], but he remembered all, and afterwards his memory served him for books.
4. Thus conducting himself, Antony was beloved by all. He subjected himself in sincerity to the good
men whom he visited, and learned thoroughly where each surpassed him in zeal and discipline. He observed the graciousness of one; the unceasing prayer of another; he took knowledge of another’s freedom from anger and another’s loving-kindness; he gave heed to one as he watched, to another as he studied; one he admired for his endurance, another for his fasting and sleeping on the ground; the meekness of one and the long-suffering of another he watched with care, while he took note of the piety towards Christ and the mutual love which animated all.
Thus filled, he returned to his own place of discipline, and henceforth would strive to unite the qualities of each, and was eager to show in himself the virtues of all. With others of the same age he had no rivalry; save this only, that he should not be second to them in higher things. And this he did so as to hurt the feelings of nobody, but made them rejoice over him. So all they of that village and the good men in whose intimacy he was, when they saw that he was a man of this sort, used to call him God-beloved. And some welcomed him as a son, others as a brother.
Early Conflicts with Demons
5. But the devil, who hates and envies what is good, could not endure to see such a resolution in a youth, but endeavoured to carry out against him what he had been wont to effect against others. First of all he tried to lead him away from the discipline, whispering to him the remembrance of his wealth, care for his sister, claims of kindred, love of money, love of glory, the various pleasures of the table and the other relaxations of life, and at last the difficulty of virtue and the labor of it; he suggested also the infirmity of the body and the length of the time. In a word he raised in his mind a great dust of debate, wishing to debar him from his settled purpose.
But when the enemy saw himself to be too weak for Antony’s determination, and that he rather was conquered by the other’s firmness, overthrown by his great faith and falling through his constant prayers, then at length putting his trust in the weapons which are “in the navel of his belly” [Job 40.16] and boasting in them–for they are his first snare for the young–he attacked the young man, disturbing him by night and harassing him by day, so that even the onlookers saw the struggle which was going on between them. The one would suggest foul thoughts and the other counter them with prayers: the one fire him with lust the other, as one who seemed to blush, fortify his body with faith, prayers, and fasting. And the devil, unhappy wretch, one night even took upon him the shape of a woman and imitated all her acts simply to beguile Antony. But he, his mind filled with Christ and the nobility inspired by Him, and considering the spirituality of the soul, quenched the coal of the other’s deceit. Again the enemy suggested the ease of pleasure. But he like a man filled with rage and grief turned his thoughts to the threatened fire and the gnawing worm [cf. Judith 16.17, Is 66.24] and setting these in array against his adversary, passed through the temptation unscathed.
All this was a source of shame to his foe. For he, deeming himself like God [cf. Is 14.14, Ezk 28.2], was now mocked by a young man; and he who boasted himself against flesh and blood was being put to flight by a man in the flesh. For the Lord was working with Antony–the Lord who for our sake took flesh and gave the body victory over the devil, so that all who truly fight can say, “not I but the grace of God which was with me” [1 Cor 15.10].
6. At last when the dragon could not even thus overthrow Antony, but saw himself thrust out of his heart, gnashing his teeth as it is written [cf. Ps 34.16, Mk 9.18], and as it were beside himself, he appeared to Antony like a black boy, taking a visible shape in accordance with the color of his mind. And cringing to him, as it were, he plied him with thoughts no longer, for guileful as he was, he had been worsted, but at last spoke in human voice and said, “Many I deceived, many I cast down; but now
attacking you and your labors as I had many others, I proved weak.” When Antony asked, “Who are you who speak this way with me?” he answered with a lamentable voice, “I am the friend of fornication [cf. Hos 4.12], and have taken upon me incitements which lead to it against the young. I am called the spirit of lust. How many have I deceived who wished to live soberly, how many have I not seduced by my incitements! I am he on account of whom also the prophet reproves those who have fallen, saying, “You have been caused to err by the spirit of fornication” [Hos 4.12]. For by me they have been tripped up. I am he who have so often troubled you and have so often been overthrown by you.” But Antony having given thanks to the Lord, with good courage said to him, “You are very despicable then, for you are black-hearted and weak as a child. Henceforth I shall have no trouble from you, ‘for the Lord is my helper, and I shall look down on my enemies’” [Ps 117.7]. Having heard this, the black one straightway fled, shuddering at the words and dreading any longer even to come near the man.
St Mercurius (Abu Sifein)
On the 25th day of the Coptic month of Hator we celebrate the life of Saint Mercurius.
Mercurius, known as the saint with the two swords (Abu-Saifain), was born in the city of Rome. His parents were Christians and they called him Philopateer (which means "Lover of the Father") and they raised him in a Christian manner. When he was old enough, he enlisted in the army during the days of Emperor Decius, the pagan. The Lord gave Philopateer the strength and the courage, for which he earned the satisfaction of his superiors. They called him Mercurius and he grew very close to the Emperor.
When the Berbers rose up against Rome, Decius went out to fight them. When he saw how many there were, he became terrified. Mercurius assured him saying, "Do not be afraid, because God will destroy our enemies and will bring us victory." When he left the Emperor, the archangel Michael appeared to him in the shape of a human being, dressed in white apparel. The angel gave him a sword saying, "When you overcome your enemies, remember the Lord your God." (That is why he is called, "of the two swords", one is the military sword and the other is the sword of the divine power).
When Emperor Decius conquered his enemies and Mercurius came back victorious, the angel appeared to him and reminded him of what he told him previously, that is, to remember the Lord his God.
Decius, and his soldiers with him, wanted to offer up incense to his idols and Mercurius lagged behind. When they informed the Emperor of what had happened, he called Mercurius and expressed his amazement at his abandoning of his loyalty to him. The Emperor reprimanded him for refusing to come and offer incense to the idols. Mercurius took off his military uniform and laid down before the Emperor and said, "I do not worship anyone except my Lord God Jesus Christ." The Emperor became angry and ordered him to be beaten with whips and stalks. When the Emperor saw how the people of the city and the soldiers were attached to Mercurius, the Emperor feared that they might revolt. So instead, he bound him in iron fetters and sent him to Caesarea where they cut off his head. He thus completed his holy fight and received the crown of life in the kingdom of heaven.
Lessons from this story
“Be a man of your word.” My dad used to say to me. He was old school, did all his business on a handshake. He believed that a man’s word was worth more than a contract. In this day an age, that kind of business is considered foolish. But still there many business owners that want to meet you, talk with you and know who they are doing business with before they sign any contract. Are you honorable? Can we trust you? A smart business person understands that a contract is important to capture the details of the agreement, but they also recognize that a piece of paper is worthless if the individual signing is not honorable.
Saint Mercurius enjoyed a prestigious lifestyle. He had favor with the Emperor and the people. But he was raised as a man of honor, and when the time came to honor his agreement with the angel, he kept it.
How many times have we asked God for this or that and forgotten to give Him thanks once received. All too often we get excited about receiving the gift we forget to kiss the hand that delivered it. Everything we have can easily be taken away. Sure we can reason to ourselves that we worked hard for what we have, or believe that I earned everything I have and nothing was given to me - but all of it can be gone in a flash. Your money, your house, your family, your reputation, everything. Just ask Job.
Be honorable in your dealings with others, and the Lord will always be honorable with you - even if for a while it may not appear that way.
Prayer
God help us to know you that you provide us with the sword to defeat the enemy each day. You cover us and guide us even at times when we think it is our own effort. Help us always to be grateful for both the small and the large equally. And may the prayers of St Mercurius be with us all always, amen.
The Righteous Emperor Constantine
On the 28th day of the Coptic month Baramhat we celebrate the life of Emperor Constantine.
Constantine’s father, Constantius, ruled over Byzantium, while Maximianus ruled over Rome and Diocletian ruled over Antioch and Egypt. Though Constantius was a pagan, he was honorable, loved to do good, compassionate and merciful. In the city of El-Ruha he met Helena and married her. She was Christian. Later Constantius returned back to Byzantium leaving Helena behind. She gave birth to Constantine and raised him to have mercy in his heart for the Christians, but she did not dare to have him baptized.
Constantine grew up as a bold and skilful horseman. He went to his father who rejoiced in him when he saw that he was full of wisdom, knowledge, and skilled in riding. After his father's death he received the kingdom and ruled with justice and integrity, stopping many unfair practices. He was loved by the people and his righteous judgement spread throughout the Empire. The nobles of Rome sent word asking him to come and save them from the injustice of Maximianus. Constantine marched with his army toward Rome. During the war he saw in the sky, during the day, a Cross made of stars, and on it was written in Greek words which being interpreted as "With this you shall conquer." The light of the Cross was brighter than the any sun. He pointed it out to his ministers and the nobles of his kingdom. They read what was written, marvelled and they did not know for what reason that cross had appeared.
That night the angel of the Lord appeared to Constantine in a vision and told him: "Make a sign for yourself like that sign which you had seen, and with it you shall conquer your enemies." The next morning, he prepared a large flag with the sign of the cross on it, and made the sign of the cross on all the armaments. Constantine defeated Maximianus and his army. As they retreated crossing the bridge over the Tiber river, the bridge broke and all perished. Constantine entered Rome and its people welcomed him with joy and gladness, praising the Honorable Cross, calling it the Savior of their city. This celebration of the Cross lasted seven days and Constantine became the Emperor of the East and West.
In the eleventh year of his reign, which was the fourth year after the appearance of the Honorable Cross, Constantine and most of his soldiers, were baptized by the Pope. He sent throughout the kingdom a command to set free all those who were imprisoned for the sake of their faith. He further declared that the Christians should not work during the Passion week as the Apostles commanded.
Then he sent his mother Helena to Jerusalem where she discovered the Holy Cross of Our Lord Christ.
In the seventeenth year of his reign the Holy Council of the Three Hundred and Eighteen bishops assembled at Nicea in the year 325 A.D. which arranged the affairs of the Christians and put down the cannons of the church. He rebuilt the city of Byzantium and called it after his name "Constantinia" and he brought to it many of the bodies of the apostles and holy martyrs.
He departed in the city of Nicomedia when he was seventy-five years old. He was laid in a gold sarcophagus, and was carried to Constantinia. The Patriarch, bishops, priests, and all the people received him with prayers, psalms, and spiritual hymns, and laid him in the sanctuary of the holy apostles.
Lessons from this story
There is this false perception that Christianity and being wealthy are polar opposites. It is not the wealth that is at odds with Christianity, but the use of it that at times goes against the true nature of being Christian. Money is a tool, just as talent, knowledge, and physical strength are. Tools to be ruled and controlled by the master not the other way around.
Diocletian used is wealth and power to rid the world of the Christian belief while Constantine used his wealth and power to raise up the Christian belief. When Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem, and we laid the palm leaves on the ground chanting “Hosanna!”, the crowd believed Jesus was coming to free them from the bondage of the Romans and raise the kingdom of David once again. When Jesus did not do what they perceived was what they wanted, they turned on Him. Though in truth Jesus not only answered their cries for freedom from bondage, He gifted them everlasting freedom. But because we limited with human eyes and human perceptions we see things from a very limited perspective.
Wealth provides influence not dominance. Many saints were born into wealth and privilege and turned away from them to seek a simpler life. Not because the wealth itself was evil, but it prevented them from being solely dependant on the Lord.
God, through Emperor Constantine, expanded and organized the growing Christian faith - in human terms. Those organizational structures are the very foundations of the church as a whole to this day. But God used a good soul for His will to be done throughout history, just as He did with Mary, John the Baptist and so many more important foundational entities.
Do not be driven by the love money, but seeing it for what it is - a tool. And like any good tool, when it is used right, good works come from it.
Prayer
Lord we ask you to blessed the fields that the harvest is plentiful, to bless our labor that it never be in vain. Help us to always give thanks to you for everything, concerning everything and in everything. May the prayers and intercessions of Emperor Constantine be with us all, amen.
Sts Cyprian and Justina
On the 21st day of the Coptic month of Tute we celebrate the Life of Saints Cyprian and Justina.
Cyprian (also known as Cyprianus) was an infidel and a magician. He learned magic in the countries of northwest Africa until he excelled over his fellows. His excessive impudence and arrogance made him go to Antioch to challenge the magicians there to demonstrate his superior knowledge.
When he arrived there, his fame spread. A young man, a nobleman’s son, heard about him. This young man lusted for a Christian virgin who was called Justina. He saw her going to church and his heart became inflamed for her. He was unable to obtain what he desired of her either by money, threat, or magic.
He sought Cyprian that he might use his magic to help the young man gain favor with Justina's heart to fulfill his desire. Cyprian agreed to help. He used all the trickery of his sorcery but failed. Every time he sent her a host of demons, they found her praying and would return defeated.
When Cyprian failed, he called the demons and told them, "If you do not bring Justina to me, I shall adopt Christianity." The chief of these demons dispatched one of his minions to disguise itself in the form of Justina and then go to Cyprian. Then this lead demon hastened to tell Cyprian of her coming, so he rejoiced and waited for her. Then Satan, disguised as Justina, came to him, and Cyprian rejoiced, and rose up to embrace her. Because of his great joy in her, he told her, "Welcome, Queen of Women, Justina." Upon the mere mention of her name, Satan’s disguise melted away and it disappeared in an unpleasant smelling smoke. Cyprian now knew that this deceitful Satan was powerless by mere mentioning of Justina’s name.
Immediately Cyprian rose up and burnt his books of magic. He was baptized by the patriarch of Antioch who put on him the monastic garb. After a while he ordained him as a deacon, then a priest. Later on, after he had grown in virtues and in the doctrine of the church, they ordained him bishop of Carthage in the year 351 A.D. He took St. Justina and made her the head of a convent there. When the Ecumenical Council convened at Carthage, this saint was one of those who attended it.
When Emperor Decius heard of them, he had them brought before the imperial court and demanded them to raise incense to the idols. When they refused, he inflicted upon them many tortures and finally cut off their heads with the sword.
Lessons from this story
There is to be no doubt that sorcery exists. Fortune tellers, Tarot card readers, tea leaves and the like all bend heavily towards this extension of the devil’s trickery. Many have been fooled by the devil’s designs to deceive. But all of life comes from one source, God. And though our human eyes can be easily duped by Satan, the breath of life given to us freely by God can warn us.
God saves all, wants all to be within His care, but He also knows our heart. The innocent soul ignorant of the truth about Christ is forgiven their ignorance and God leads them to the True Creator and Salvitic path that is Jesus Christ. But then there is the darkened heart that even when faced with the truth scorns at it. Chasing one passion after another, lost to true divinity within ourselves.
We are blessed with accessible knowledge of Christianity. Many are born into, convert to it or are even now struggling to come to it. But back then, Christianity was not as easily attainable. But time proves truth. Over two thousand years have passed since Jesus Christ broken bread with his disciples and still Christianity is the single largest faith on the planet. It is found in every country, though for a great many believers, they are persecuted for simply being Christian.
Do not be fooled by the magic of special effects for they tell a story that is not true. Listen to the still small voice that Elijah heard in the cave (1Kings 19:11-13).
Prayer
Oh Heavenly Father of all, guide us through the darkness and help us always to avoid the snares set by the evil one. Give us sight on You surround us with your saints and angels that we may enjoy eternal life with You. May the prayers of Sts Cyprian and Justina be with us always, amen.
St Matthew the Evangelist.
On the 12th day of the Coptic month of Baba we celebrate the Life of Saint Matthew the Disciple of Christ.
Matthew, whose former name was Levi, was one of the Twelve Disciples. He was the one seated, collecting taxes, outside the city of Capernaum, when the Lord Christ said to him, "Follow Me." He left all, rose up, and followed Him. He made for Jesus Christ a great feast in his own house. That made the Pharisees murmur against Him saying to His disciples, "Why does your teacher eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?" Jesus answered and said to them, "Those who are well do not need a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." (Luke 5:27-32)
He preached in the land of Palestine, Tyre and Sidon. And later to Ethiopia. He entered the city of priests and converted them to the knowledge of Jesus Christ. When he wished to enter the city, he met a young man who told him, "You will not be able to go in unless you shave the hair off your head and carry palm branches in your hand." He did as the young man told him. And, as he was thinking about that, the Lord Christ appeared to him in the form of the young man who had met him earlier, and after He encouraged and comforted him, disappeared. He realized that this young man was the Lord of Glory Himself.
He then entered the city as one of its priests. He went to the temple of Apollo and found the high priest Hermes, and talked with him concerning the idols that they were worshipping. He explained how those idols did not hear or sense anything and how the true Mighty Lord is He who created the Heaven and Earth. Then the Lord made through him a wonder: a table came down from Heaven and a great light shone around them. When Hermes the priest saw this wonder, he asked him, "What is the name of your God?" The apostle replied, "My God is the Lord Christ." Hermes believed in Christ and many people followed him.
When the Governor of that city heard of this, he ordered them burned. It happened at that time that the son of the Governor died. Matthew the Apostle prayed and made supplications to God to raise the son and the Lord answered him and raised the child from death. When the Governor saw this, he and the rest of the people of the city believed. Matthew baptized them, ordained a bishop, priests, and built a church for them.
After he had preached in other countries, he went back to Jerusalem. Some of the Jews which he had preached to, believed and had been baptized, asked him to write down what he had preached to them. He wrote the beginning of the Gospel attributed to him in the Hebrew language but he did not complete it. It was said that he finished it during his preaching in India, in the first year of the reign of Claudius and the ninth year of the Ascension. His martyrdom was consummated by stoning at the hands of Justus the Governor. His body was buried in Carthage of Caesarea by some believers, in a holy place.
Lessons from this story
The word gospel means “good news”. And like any good news, you want to share it. Christians share a bond that includes the sharing of this “good news” - that there is a Father who loves you so deeply, He accepts you as you are and calls for your return.
A tax collector is probably the most despised person among us. The exist like parasites feeding off the hard work of others. The word “hate” is often associated with this contemptible lot. But Christ came for him just as He come for the sinful woman Mary.
A recurring theme among all the lives of saints is this call by God the Father, to “follow me” as Christ said to Levi. We celebrate their lives, the salvation not as spectators at a game, but as active participants. The good news is for us, for all, and serve an important role in getting that news out there.
Prayer
May the prayers and intercessions of Saint Matthew the Evangelist be with us all always, amen.
St. Arsenius
On the 22nd day of Coptic Month of Baramhat we celebrate the life of St Arsenius the Great.
Arsenius was born to wealthy parents in the year 350 AD in Rome. His father was a righteous and honorable senator and judge. They sent Arsenius to the teachers of the Church and he was raised in the fear of God, was eager to read the Scriptures and was ordained a deacon then an arch-deacon by Saint Damasus, the Bishop of Rome.
After his parents died, he and his sister, Afrositty, gave all their riches to the poor, and chose to live an ascetic life. Arsenius became famous for his righteousness and wisdom. He was a disciple of Rophenius the monastic historian from whom he admired the Egyptian monastic life and its fathers, and he wished to meet them.
When the Emperor Theodosius the Great wanted a man to whom he might entrust the education of his children, Saint Damasus recommended Arsenius. Arsenius accordingly went to Constantinople in 383 A.D. and was appointed to the post by Theodosius.
After ten years at the court he seemed clearly to hear the voice of God through the Gospel, "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" (Matthew 16:26). He left Constantinople and came by sea to Alexandria and fled into the wilderness. When he first presented himself to Abba Macarius the Great, the father of the monks of Skete, he recommended him to the care of Saint John the Short to try him. In the evening, when the rest of the monks sat down to take their meal, Saint John left Arsenius standing in the middle without inviting him. Such a reception was a severe trial to a revered member of the imperial court; but Arsenius accepted humbly.
Saint John took a loaf of bread and threw it on the ground before him, bidding him with an air of indifference to eat it if he would. Arsenius cheerfully sat on the ground and took his meal. Saint John was so satisfied with his behavior that he required no further trial for his admission, and said, "This man will make a monk".
Arsenius was asked one day why he, being so well educated, sought the instruction and advice of a certain monk who was an utter stranger to all literature. He replied, "I am not unacquainted with the learning of the Greeks and the Romans; but I have not yet learned the alphabet of the science of the saints, whereof this seemingly ignorant Egyptian is master".
Evagrius of Pontus who, after he had distinguished himself at Constantinople by his learning, had retired into the desert of Nitria in 385, expressed surprise that many learned men made no progress in virtue, whilst many Egyptians, who did not even know the letters of the alphabet, arrived at a high degree of contemplation. Arsenius answered, "We make no progress because we dwell in that exterior learning which puffs up the mind; but these illiterate Egyptians have a true sense of their own weakness, blindness, and insufficiency; and by that very thing they are qualified to labor successfully in the pursuit of virtue".
One of the emperor's officers brought news to Arsenius that a relative of his had passed away and made him his heir. The saint took the will and would have torn it to pieces had the officer not begged him not to, saying such an incident would get him in trouble. Arsenius, however, refused the estate, saying "I died eleven years ago and cannot be his heir".
He employed himself in making mats of palm-tree leaves; and he never changed the water in which he moistened the leaves, but only poured in fresh water upon it as it wasted. When some asked him why he did not cast away the filthy water, he answered, "I ought to be punished by this smell for the self-indulgence with which I formerly used perfumes". He lived in the most utter poverty, so that in an illness, having need for a small sum to procure him some little necessities, he was obliged to beg for it.
Due to his desire for quiet and solitude, Saint John allowed Saint Arsenius to live alone in a hidden cave in the desert 32 miles away. He would seldom see strangers who came to visit him, but Theophilus, Pope of Alexandria, came one day in company with others to visit him, begging Arsenius to speak some wisdom for the good of their souls. The saint asked them whether they were disposed to comply with his directions; and being answered in the affirmative, he replied, "I entreat you then that, whenever you are informed of Arsenius' abode, you would leave him to himself and spare yourselves the trouble of coming after him".
He never visited his brethren, contenting himself with meeting them at spiritual conferences. The abbot Mark asked him one day why he so much shunned their company. The saint answered, "God knows how dearly I love you all; but I find I cannot be both with God and with men at the same time; nor can I think of leaving God to converse with men".
Arsenius was known by man for his gift of tears, weeping both over his own shortcomings and those of the world. His tears which he shed continually had worn away his eye-lashes. He lived in this same austere manner till the age of about ninety-five.
His brethren, seeing him weep in his last hours, said to him, "Father, why do you weep? Are you, like others, afraid to die?" The saint answered, "I am very afraid - nor has this dread ever forsaken me from the time I first came into these deserts". Notwithstanding his fear, Saint Arsenius died in great peace, full of faith in the year 445.
Lessons from this story
“He is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much;” (Luke 16:10) As this story tells us, Arsenius was born in privilege and as he escaped the world to the desert to converse solely with God, he weeped for his sins, sins that are so inconsequential to you and me as to be not even acknowledged. But the depth of this great saint, dug deep into his own existence and finding even the smallest of sins weeped for forgiveness.
Repentance is an essential part of being Christian. Not only must we walk through hallways of our sins, but even the crumbs on the floor must be acknowledged. But this kind of depth of examination escapes most of us not because this saint is greater than us, but because he detached from the world. Once detached, he examined himself daily, every nuance of his existence. But because we continue to live in the world, our repentance is more focused on the bigger sins, assuming we are honest with ourselves. But just imagine, if you could, stopping everything you are doing right now. Disconnecting from the world, isolating yourself in such a way that no one could contact you. Then all you would have left to examine would be yourself. Those lucky few that have this great time of oneness with themselves are truly blessed.
Not a selfish oneness, where you are only focused on the “me”. But a unity between the known “you” and the hidden “you”. The visible “you” that you share with others and the secret “you” you shy away from prying eyes. This is a repentance worthy of saints. A dispassionate and clinical examination of one’s self as an honest judge.
This is why we call Arsenius the Great.
Prayer
Lord, please help us be honest with ourselves so that we may pour more of ourselves out and drink in more of you. That we may walk with our eyes wide open with full knowledge of the sins we commit, knowingly and unknowingly, the hidden and the manifest. May the prayers of St Arsenius be with us all, amen.
St Mary of Egypt
On the 6th day of the Coptic month of Baramouda we celebrate the life of St Mary of Egypt.
She began her life as a young woman who followed the passions of the body, running away from her parents at the age twelve, to the city of Alexandria. There she lived as a harlot for seventeen years, refusing money from the men that she copulated with, instead living by begging and spinning flax.
One day, however, she met a group of young men heading toward the sea to sail to Jerusalem for the veneration of the Holy Cross. Mary went along for the ride, seducing the men as they traveled for the fun of it. But when the group reached Jerusalem and actually went towards the church, Mary was prohibited from entering by an unseen force. After three such attempts, she remained outside on the church patio, where she looked up and saw an icon of the Holy Theotokos. She began to weep and prayed with all her might that the Holy Mother might allow her to see the True Cross; afterwards, she promised, she would renounce her worldly desires and go wherever the St Mary may lead her.
After this heart-felt conversion at the doors of the church, she fled into the desert to live as an ascetic. She survived for years on only three loaves of bread and thereafter on scarce herbs of the land. For another seventeen years, Mary was tormented by "wild beasts, mad desires and passions." After these years of temptation, however, she overcame them and was led by the Theotokos in all things.
Following 47 years in solitude, she met the priest St. Zosima in the desert, who pleaded with her to tell him of her life. She recounted her story with great humility while also demonstrating her gift of clairvoyance; she knew who Zosima was and his life story despite never having met him before. Finally, she asked Zosima to meet her again the following year at sunset on Holy Thursday by the banks of the Jordan.
Zosima did exactly this, though he began to doubt his experience as the sun began to go that night. Then Mary appeared on the opposite side of the Jordan; crossing herself, she miraculously walked across the water and met Zosima. When he attempted to bow, she rebuked him, saying that as a priest he was far superior, and furthermore, he was holding the Holy Mysteries. Mary then received communion and walked back across the Jordan after giving Zosima instructions about his monastery and that he should return to where they first met exactly a year later. When he did so, he found Mary's body with a message written on the sand asking him for burial and revealing that she had died immediately after receiving the Holy Mysteries the year before (and thus had been miraculously transported to the spot where she now lay). So Zosima, amazed, began to dig, but soon tired. A lion approached and began to help him, that is, after Zosima had recovered from his fear of the creature. Thus St. Mary of Egypt was buried. Zosima returned to the monastery, told all he had seen, and improved the faults of the monks and abbot there. He died at almost a hundred years old in the same monastery.
Lessons from this story
A valuable lesson from this story is the truth that before God all are worthy, all are important and all are His chosen loved ones. Our roads in this life lead us far and wide, but the narrow gate to return is only through our heart’s desire to be with Christ, to serve Christ and to live as Christ.
St Mary of Egypt lived naked in the desert wearing only the skin God gave her, nothing else. Hold this truth; you are loved deeply by the Lord Jesus Christ. And what the world will call suffering (the ascetic life of a monk in the harsh conditions of the desert) are in truth freedom to the soul that feeds on the loving kindness of Christ. Ask yourself, what is easier? The constant demands of this life pulling you in every direction at the same time from passion to the next? Or a simple life with Christ serving in His name? St Mary tasted both lives and found the one with Christ the sweeter.
Prayer
Lord, help us see past the vile disguise of this world for what it is, empty and worthless without you. Help us see the importance of a life with you is eternal not temporary as this world is. Open our eyes each day that we may receive your daily bread and forgive us when we fall. Through the prayers of St Mary of Egypt be with us all, amen.
George Prince of the Martyrs
On the 23rd day of the Coptic month of Baramouda we celebrate the life of St George Prince of the Martyrs.
George was born in Cappadocia to Anastasius and Theobaste, his father and mother respectively, George later became known as Prince of the Martyrs. After his father died when George was 20 years old, he went to Emperor Diocletian to take over his father's position. He found that the Emperor had apostatized the faith and ordered the worship of idols. George was sorrowful, and he gave all his wealth to the poor and needy, and set free his slaves.
When he saw the Emperor’s edict against the Christians, he became enraged and tore it. They took George before the Emperor, and he cried in their midst saying, "for how long you shall pour your anger against the innocent Christians, and force those who know the true faith to adopt the faith that you are in doubt of because it is fraudulent? So, either you believe in this true faith, or at least do not disturb with foolishness those who are steadfast in it." The Emperor asked Mephnanius, one of his ministers, to pacify and persuade George. He asked him, "who taught you to be daring like this?" The Saint answered, "it is the truth," then started to explain it to him. The Emperor interrupted, reminding George of the ranks the Emperor bestowed on him, and promised George with more if he denied his Christ. George refused with conviction, and accordingly, the Emperor tortured him severely. The Lord, however, strengthened George and healed all his wounds.
The Emperor became weary of torturing George, so he opted to utilize a magician. The magician, named Athanasius, gave the Saint a cup full of poison to drink. George made the sign of the cross over the cup, then drank it. When no harm came upon him, the magician believed in the Lord Christ and received the crown of martyrdom. The Emperor became enraged and ordered George to be squeezed until he delivered up his soul. The Emperor then cast George’s body outside the city.
The Lord Christ raised him up, and the Saint returned to the city. When the people saw him, 3,700 believed. The Emperor ordered their heads be cut off, and they all received the crown of martyrdom.
When George stood before Emperor Diocletian, along with seventy kings that were sitting around him, they said to the Saint, "make these chairs that we are sitting on to put forth leaves, and bear fruit." The Saint prayed to the Lord Christ, the Lord accepted his supplication, and the chairs put forth leaves and bore fruit.
They also took George to a cemetery and asked him to raise the dead therein. He prayed to the Lord Christ. The Lord raised the dead, and after they talked to them, they returned to their graves and died.
And on another occasion, a poor woman brought her son to George. Her son was was blind, deaf and dumb. St. George, prayed to the Lord Christ, then made the sign of the cross over him, and he was healed right away.
Diocletian continued torturing George until he grew weary and bored. He gradually became pleasant to the Saint, and eventually promised to give George his daughter in marriage if he would offer the incense to his gods. George pretended to accept his offer, and the Emperor rejoiced and brought him into the royal palace. While St. George was praying the Psalms, the Empress heard him and asked him to explain to her what he had said. George began to interpret to her all the events from the creation of the world to the Incarnation of the Lord Christ. His words entered her heart, and she believed in the Lord Christ, to Whom is the Glory.
The Emperor ordered all the men of the city to gather and see George offer incense to the Emperor's gods. When a multitude gathered by the idols, George stood and cried at the idols in the Name of the Lord Christ the Savior of the world. The earth opened its mouth and swallowed all the idols. The Emperor, and all those who were with him, were embarrassed. The Emperor returned to his palace full of fury and wrath. The Empress told him, "didn't I tell you not to oppose the Galileans, for their God is strong and mighty?" The Emperor was enraged with her because he realized George also brought her to the True Faith. The Emperor ordered her body be raked with a steel comb, then cut off her head. She received the crown of martyrdom. Finally, Diocletian decided to put an end to the humiliation that befell him, so he ordered George’s head be cut off. St. George received the crown of martyrdom and was known great among the martyrs. A Christian took his body, wrapped it in expensive shrouds, and laid him in the city of Lyddia, his home town. They built a great church with his name there.
Lessons from this story.
As you hear St. George’s account, what did you take away from it? Was it the fact that a prominent soldier who at one point had favor with the Emperor, chose a life of torture over ease? Was it his bravery before kings and emperors as his prayers destroyed the idols? Was it the fact that his conviction to our Lord Jesus Christ was so powerful, it touched the heart of the Empress? There are so many lessons to extract from our Prince, St. George. Don’t listen to his story as simply a historical account, but strive to apply it to your own life. Consider that so many of us dedicate our lives, at least to some extent, to get a distorted version of power and comfort of living. St. George, however, a powerful soldier, used his power in the best manner. He was powerful in his belief. He remained steadfast and fought to never abandon his Faith. He endured years of horrendous torture to stand for his Christ. Be a Saint George in today’s society. Stand strong in your faith. Let your conviction bring others to our Lord Jesus Christ. And stand strong, even in the face of humiliation and torture, in hopes of obtaining the Eternal Peace one day.
Prayer
Lord, grant us the strength to practice perfect love for You and each other. Provide us the courage to endure hardships with the Hope of being in Perfect Peace with You. Help us to be steadfast in my Faith, and in everything we do, allow our conviction to You to attract others before Your Holy Name. Pray to the Lord on our behalf, O struggled mantled martyr, our master Prince St. George, that He may forgive us our sins. Amen.
St Abba Shenouda the Archimandrite
On the 7th day of the Coptic month of Abib we celebrate the life of St Pope Shenouda the Archimandrite.
Abba Shenouda was the Abbot of the White Monastery of Atribe in the desert of Thebes for over 65 years. He was responsible for over 2,200 monks and 1,800 nuns. Abba Shenouda is called Archimandrite because he practiced the hermetic (isolated) life from time to time, and he also used to encourage some of his monks to withdraw to the desert after a few years of cenobitic life (living together in a monastic community). Notably, in the year 431 A.D., he accompanied St. Cyril to the Ecumenical Council of Ephesus.
Abba Shenouda was responsible for creating Egyptian nationalism or Coptism, eliminating Hellenistic culture from the Coptic literature, and did not permit any foreigner to be admitted to his monasteries. Besides his deep spirituality, he was a political and a social reformer.
Shenouda was born of good Christian parents in a village near in Upper Egypt. His father owned a cattle farm. Like David, his father used to send him to tend the sheep while he was a little boy. When Shenouda reached ten years old, he was put under the guidance of Abba Pijol, his maternal uncle and Abbot of the Red Monastery.
As a youth, Shenouda showed an exceptional inclination to be spiritually minded, and strove continuously after spiritual excellence. He enjoyed studying and teaching both monks and laymen. When Abba Pijol departed to heaven, Shenouda was elected to replace him as abbot. Under Abba Shenouda’s leadership, the number of monks reached 4,000; 1800 of them in the Red Monastery and the rest in the White Monastery, while a few of them preferred a solitary life.
Shenouda was greatly concerned about organization within the monastic life. He devised a system that was, in fact, a combination of St. Antony's hermetic life, and St. Pachom's cenobitic monasticism. He used to retreat to a remote cell and spend some time in seclusion, then return to the monastery and participate in the monastic community.
Shenouda built a house outside the walls of the monastery for those who were waiting to be ordained monks. He appointed a chief to the monasteries called the Archimandrite. He assigned specific periods for individual and group prayers. The doors of his monastery were opened to the villagers every Saturday evening. Thousands would participate in the Vespers prayers, spend the night in the monastery, and participate in the celebration of the Divine Liturgy the next morning. After the Liturgy, they were invited to share a meal the monks prepared and served. Shenouda took advantage of the presence of those people in the monastery to teach them the true faith inherited from the saintly fathers.
The Archimandrite lived in an age full of emotions and upheavals. It was an age in which the Ecumenical Council of Ephesus was convened, followed by the council of Chalcedon which started the rift between the churches. This same age witnessed the passing away of paganism from Egypt, after the desperate effort of Julian the Apostate to revive it. Finally, it was an age in which Egyptian nationalism reassured itself against all imperial forces. In the midst of this uprising, Shenouda towered like a beacon of light. He loved solitude, yet he shared the life of the world to the full, and was one of the unparalleled defiants against all Hellenistic tendencies. He used his talents of speaking and writing to inflame the crowds, using the pure Sahidic dialect of Upper Egypt. Shenouda made such a powerful impact to all who heard him or read his writings.
Shenouda also focused on charitable work. He went about feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and provided shelter to the homeless. The schools attached to his monasteries did not serve the saints alone, but they also served those living in the vicinity as well. The monks that were physicians also provided medical aid in the community.
One instance of his outpouring love was evident when the Bhagat Tribe attacked the region of Akhmim, capturing families and killing villagers. Hearing of this catastrophe, Shenouda crossed the Nile and went to the chief of the Bhagats, saying, "take the riches and give me the people." The chief readily accepted, and handed over to him hundreds of captives. Shenouda sheltered them in his monasteries for three months; he put the sick under the care of the doctors; the children were cared for by the educators, while the social workers looked after the aged and the infirm. All these specialists were from among his monks. During these three months, 94 of the refugees died and 52 babies were born. This instance indicates the well- organized system of the monks under the vigilant eyes of the Archimandrite.
Shenouda was not only a guide to monks, but was also in charge of 1800 nuns. To those he wrote several letters teaching, and guiding them in the right path. Fortunately, many of his writings still exist; they portray for us his clear thinking and deep spiritual insight.
Shenouda was blessed with an unusual long life. He lived to be 118 years old. His fatherhood over monasteries and convents lasted 66 years. During his long life, Shenouda watched his people closely. His sympathy for them was boundless. Consequently, he became their spokesman and their defendant; and because he identified himself with them, he represented their national aspirations and led them to the realization of their higher selves. For those reasons, he is considered the liberator of Egyptian thought from the shackles of Byzantium, and the truest representative of the Pharaonic genius.
The White Monastery with which Shenouda is identified is unique among the Christian structures; it is more like a Pharaonic temple than a Christian sanctuary. It stands on the edge of the desert, west of Sohag, near the ancient town of Atribe. Historians think that it was built in the lifetime of Shenouda. The only remaining part of it is the church joined by the house of the priest.
As for the Red Monastery, which gets its name from the red bricks of which it is built, nothing remains of it, except the church also. This monastery is called by the name of Abba Pishoi, a saintly monk of that era.
Shenouda became sick in his last years. His disciples took him to a hermit called Abba Thomas. At the end of their meeting, Thomas said, "I would like to inform you, Father, that I will depart to heaven shortly. You will know that this happened when you see the big stone in front of your cell split in two. I beg you to come and pray on my body before you bury it."
After St. Thomas passed away, Abba Shenouda became very sick, and he called his disciples to his cell. After he blessed them, he commended his soul in the hands of his Saviour dn the 12th of July, 451 A.D. (the 5th of Abib). He left a great wealth of literature; some of which are preserved in the museums of Naples and London. His biography was written by his faithful disciple Wisa. May the prayers and supplications of the great Saint Shenouda the Archimandrite be with us all. Amen.
Lessons from this story
St. Abba Shenouda teaches us that one individual could have a major impact when doing things for our Lord Jesus Christ. Under his leadership, he revolutionized monastic life as we know it. His leadership as an Archimandrite, and his ability to emphasize Coptism, truly has had an impact on countless Coptic Orthodox monks and nuns that came after him. He embarrassed Nestorious, and confessed the good confession. “One in essence is the Trinity. Coessential and Life-giving, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.” Are you a leader? Are you one that uses your talents to change things for the better, and to lead others to our Lord? Your passion and dedication for Good can, and does, make a difference. It truly has an impact on those around you. But also remember the importance of solitude to avoid the vanity that sometimes comes from being in charge. St Abba Shenouda found this quietness alone-time with Christ extremely valuable. May we be inspired by St. Abba Shenouda’s life story, and implement his lessons in our own.
Prayer
Lord, may we have the slightest ability to have an impact on others. May our actions be a true witness to your Holy Name, and bring those around us to Your Holy Name. Pray to the Lord on our behalf, O my master the ascetic father, Abba Shenouda the Archimandrite, that He may forgive us our sins. Amen.
St Nicholas (Santa Claus)
On the 10th day of the Coptic month of Kiahk we celebrate the life of St Nicholas Bishop of Mora, (also commonly referred to as St Nick or Santa Claus).
Nicholas was born in the city of Myra, in the area of Lycia to a wealthy, God-fearing family. His father was Epiphanius and his mother was Tona. Before the birth of Nicholas, his parents had grown old, saddened by the fact they had never had children. God took pity on them and gave them a boy whom they called Nicholas - which means “victory of the people”.
As a gift from God, he was raised to be holy and blessed. When he reached school age, he demonstrated, through intelligence and knowledge, that he learned far more from the Holy Spirit than he did from his teachers. He learned all the doctrine and the teachings of the church in his youth as a deacon. He later became a monk in a monastery where his cousin was the abbot. Because he lived an ascetic and righteous life, they made him a priest when he was only nineteen years old. God gave him the gift to work wonders and heal the sick in the name of Jesus Christ.
There was a very rich man in the city of Myra who lost all his wealth. He had three daughters who had passed the age of marriage, and could not marry them because of his poverty. Satan caused the man to think that he should make his daughters live in sin so that they might get their food by means of fornication. God revealed to Nicholas the thoughts which were in this desperate man's head. Nicholas took one hundred dinars of his father's money and tied it up in a sack. During the night he threw the money into the window of that man's house. When the man found the gold, he was astonished and rejoiced exceedingly as he was now able to give his eldest daughter away in marriage.
During another night Nicholas threw another hundred dinars into the man's house and the man was able to give his second daughter away in marriage. The man wanted to know who this charitable person was. The third time the saint threw the gold into the house, the man was watching and immediately when he felt the drop of the sack, he went out of his house running to see who was throwing the gold to him. Upon discovering it was Nicholas, the man bowed down at his feet and paid him great homage, thanking him for saving his daughters from poverty and a life of sin. The saint refused to accept any thanks and asked them to thank the Lord Who put this thought in his heart.
Nicholas was known for driving out the devil and his demons from the people, and healing many sick people. He is also credit for blessing little bread in the name of Jesus Christ to satisfy many hungry people.
Before being selected bishop, he saw a vision with a great throne and vestments placed on it and a man said to him, "Put on these vestments and sit on this throne." And on another night he saw the Holy Theotokos giving him the vestments of the priesthood and Jesus Christ handing him the Gospels.
When the Bishop of Myra departed, the Angel of the Lord appeared to the Archbishop and told him Nicholas was to be chosen for this rank and described his virtues. When the Archbishop woke up he told the bishops what he had seen, and they all believed that vision. They knew that it was from the Lord Jesus Christ. Nicholas was made Bishop over the city of Myra.
Shortly thereafter, Diocletian reigned, and the spread of pagan worship increased. Having already arrested many believers, he heard about this saintly bishop known as Nicholas of Myra. He seized him, tortured him severely for many years. Jesus Christ strengthened him, protected him, and raised him whole from all these tortures so that he might become a mighty branch of the tree of faith. When Diocletian was tired of torturing him, he cast him into prison. Nicholas wrote to his congregation from prison until God destroyed Diocletian and the reign of Constantine began. Emperor Constantine brought out all Christian confessors from prison, among them was Bishop Nicholas, who returned to his city.
He was one of the three hundred and eighteen bishops assembled in the city of Nicea and that rebuked Arius and his heretical teachings.
Having finished his course and guarded his flock, he departed to be with God. He sat on the episcopal throne for more than forty years, and all the days of his life were about eighty years.
Lessons from this story
St John Chrysostom has many great homilies on wealth and poverty, speaking on the important role each play in God’s economy. Wealth is not inherently evil, neither is poverty. But when wealth insulates a person from the sufferings of the people around them, then it is evil. The young Nicholas received divine insight from God about the devastated despair of the man with three daughters. He used his own family’s fortunes to prevent this horrible sin and, in fact, defeat the devil.
Imagine having wealth your whole life, having servants to care for your every need, then suddenly you have nothing. Not even a penny to your name. You too would be lost. This father was not an evil man, clearly for if he was God would not have intervened through St Nicholas. He was just man not accustomed to his new challenges. Weakened, the devil whispered in his ear to tempt him to even further despair, the loss of his daughter’s purity. Though the story does not say, the father's actions, upon discovering it was St Nicholas, clearly showed that God knew this man needed guidance. Having saved the three daughters, one can surmise that God knew this was what the man needed to return to the trust and faith of Jesus Christ.
It stands to reason why so many associate Santa Claus with this giving saint, but focus not on the gifts, per say, but the single gift of Hope. Hope is not store bought. Hope is not something that can be hoarded or even controlled. As the true gift that comes from God, is the eternal light that guides us through the darkness that falls on us all at one time or another.
Prayer
May God always light your path and remind you with a gentle nudge or clomp on the head, that Hope is freely given, you don’t even need to gift wrap it. May the blessings and prayers of St Nicholas be with us all always, amen.
St Bishoy the Perfect Man
On the 8th day of Coptic Month of Abib we celebrate the life of St Abba Bishoy.
Bishoy was born in the town of Shesna to a family of six children. One day, his mother saw an angel in a dream, asking her to give one of her children to the Lord. She was very pleased and left the choice to the Lord to pick one of her kids. So, the Lord picked Bishoy. His mother was very worried because Bishoy was physically very weak, and she asked the Lord to pick a stronger child to serve Him. But the angel insisted that Bishoy was the one the Lord had chosen.
Later in his life Bishoy went to the desert of Shaheet where he took his vows of monasticism and studied under Anba Bamwa. He devoted his life to God and prayer until he deserved the appearance of Jesus Christ.
Bishoy is a Coptic name which means "elevated". He was known for his wisdom, strength, modesty, courage, simplicity in appearance, deep thoughts, calmness and generosity to strangers. These are just a few highlights of his character.
Emperor Constantine appeared to him in a dream one day and told him "If I had known all the honor bestowed on the monks, I would have left my kingdom to become a monk" Bishoy answered by saying: "But you were the one that removed the worship of idols and Christianity was very prosperous during your reign, didn't Jesus give you anything?" Constantine answered "Yes a lot, but not the honor of the monks.”
In his days, an old preacher appeared in the mountain of Ansina. He became so famous for his preaching that a lot of people gathered around him. It came to be that he lost his way and the devil misled him until the point when he denied the Holy Spirit. All this news reached Bishoy who went to see him taking with him sacs each having three handles, something that amazed the old preacher. He asked Bishoy for the reason. "I have a trinity, and I do everything accordingly", and he started to explain to the people the words of the Bible until he convinced them all.
Bishoy denied his life of flesh and yearned to see Jesus. God, who knows our heart, promised that He will appear to him on the mountain of Shaheet. So, he gathered the monks and told them the good news. Everyone was filled with joy and they were waiting for that big event to happen. On the appointed day, everybody was in a great hurry rushing to see Jesus, that they passed by man who was trying to join them but had great difficulty because of his old age. He stretched out his hand asking for help, but nobody stopped or even paid him any attention.
When Bishoy passed by him, he stopped and carried him on his shoulders, gradually he started to feel that his load was becoming lighter and lighter, then he realized that the old man was Jesus Christ, the one that everybody ignored.
Finally, he died in peace giving his soul the freedom to go and live with the one he always wanted to be with - Jesus Christ. There exists a monastery built by St Bishoy that stands to this day.
Lessons from this story
“When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe you.” They asked of Jesus Christ in the book of Matthew. “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it for Me.” (Matthew 25:40) St Bishoy was the only one of the monks that stopped to help an old man to see Jesus. We rush to enjoy the glory but tread slowly to serve the needy. “Quick take my picture,” we say to a friend when we spy an expensive sports car, but rarely do we do the same next to a junk heap. This is not to be derogatory to what is in our human nature. We live in a world of mundane, tedious and even eventless life. This is not paradise, no matter how many expensive cars, yachts or houses a person owns. This is not paradise. For here we “shall toil all the days of your life.” (Genesis 3:17)
St Bishoy was the weakest of his family, like David was. And he was raised the highest, even to the level that made the Emperor Constantine regret not having given up the throne for the monastic life. Everything is opposite in God’s view. What we think is valuable is worthless, and what we think as worthless is valuable to God. Again, we are human and so we see with human eyes. The trick is to try and see with Christ’s eyes, or at least empower the Holy Spirit within us to see for us.
The lives of saints are set before you, like road signs along the way. Not to redirect you or try and change your direction from the Way - but strengthen you to be better, always better along your journey.
Prayer
May God always grant us vision to see what is important and help guide us through the wilderness that is this life of toil. Through the prayers and intercessions of St Bishoy, may we all achieve the title “Perfect Man”.
St Prince Theodore
On the 22nd day of the Coptic month of Baramhat (May 31) we celebrate the life of Prince Theodore known also as Amir Tadros.
Prince Theodore was born in 281 and lived most of his life in Herculea, in the area of Asia Minor. His father John was a Christian Egyptian from a city called Shateb in Upper Egypt.
Theodore’s father was a soldier in the Roman army. He went to Antioch to fight against the Persians. Because he was a man of courage he was given the prince's daughter to be his wife. She gave birth to a child and named him Theodore. Theodore’s mother tried hard to attract her husband John to Idol worshiping, but John had a strong faith in the Lord Jesus. She made him to feel indebted to her father for making hima prince, making John feel very unwelcome in his own house. He prayed for God's help and guidance.
In his sleep, he saw a vision. An angel appeared to him and said, "Do not be afraid John. Leave your pagan wife, and return to your country. Do not worry about your son Theodore. He will become a great Christian, and because of his strong faith, thousands will believe in Lord Jesus." John left his house and went back to Egypt, but he never stopped praying for his son.
Theodore was always bothered that his father had been kicked out of the house because of his faith. One day he told his mother that his father's God was crucified to save the world, but her idols were so weak that it could not even defend itself. Then he pushed the idol to the floor and the statue broke into pieces. A bad spirit came out of the idol in the form of a black giant and burned into smoke in front of them.
Prince Theodore was baptized by a priest called Oliganos at the age of fifteen. He was filled with the Holy Spirit, and because of his boldness and courage in the battles, he became very famous. When Diocletian heard about him, he appointed him a commander over five hundred knights, and called him, Prince Theodore the Brave Commander.
One day after Prince Theodore and his soldiers had fought a fierce battle in the desert, they ran out of water, and were about to die from thirst. Prince Theodore prayed earnestly and said, "My Lord Jesus who gave the Israelites water from the solid rock, please quench our thirst," And suddenly, a strong wind blew, and heavy rain started falling. After the soldiers drank as much as they wanted, they knelt down before the Prince, and said, "Blessed is your True God Jesus, who answered your prayer with great might." On that day they were all baptized in Jesus' name.
Later, an angel of the Lord appeared to Theodore and told him to travel to Egypt to see his father. The prince was very happy to learn that his father was still alive. He took some of his faithful soldiers and sailed to Alexandria. Then they walked straight to the church of Shateb to ask about the prince's father, John.
At that time the father was old and was lying sick in bed. Nevertheless, it was a very emotional reunion. Five days later, his father passed in peace having seen his son. Theodore buried him and told the people of that city that his wish was to be buried beside his father, because he knew that he would soon die as a martyr.
Prince Theodore left Egypt, and went back to Antioch. After his departure, the Egyptians built a pillar on the bank of the Nile river. On top of the pillar they hung the picture of the saint, whom they loved.
Shortly after, Prince Theodore went to fight the Persians and with him there was another saint called Prince Theodore El Mishriky. In the battlefield, the Archangel Michael appeared to encourage and support them. After they defeated the enemy, The Emperor proclaimed Prince Theodore of Shateb to be the Hero of the Roman Empire, and appointed him a ruler over the city of Otichos.
Now in Otichos a demon possessed dragon lived in the nearby mountains. The people feared that dragon very much to the point that they used to throw children to it to satisfy the creature’s appetite.
At that time, they took two children, from a Christian widow, to offer them as a sacrifice to the great dragon. The woman wept and prayed to God to save her children. Then, she heard a voice saying, "Do not be afraid. Theodore is capable of saving your children." After the saint heard the woman's story, he set off immediately to kill the dragon. On his horse, he fought the dragon for an hour. Then, the Archangel Michael appeared to him and helped him until the dragon was killed. The people of the city were very happy to get rid of the evil dragon, and many were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The idols' priests though, complained to the Emperor, who demanded Theodore to renounce Jesus Christ, or face death. When the saint refused to offer sacrifices to the idols, he was tortured in many cruel ways, but the Archangel Michael would appear to comfort him, and remind him of Jesus' promise, and the eternal glory that is waiting for him.
At the end, the Emperor ordered the soldiers to cut off his head and burn the body. The saint prayed, "My Lord, God, and Savior Jesus ChrIst, accept my spirit, and protect my body from the fire, so that everyone may know that You are the One True God. To You is the power and the glory forever."
Suddenly the Lord of Glory Himself appeared to the Prince in a cloud. He told him, "My beloved Theodore, come to your eternal rest in the Kingdom of Heaven. You have been crowned with the great crown of martyrdom. The fire will not burn your body, for miracles and wonders will be performed through your blessed body, and also through the mentioning of your name."
Afterwards Prince Theodore’s mother carried his body to Egypt, and buried it beside his father in the city of Shateb.
Lessons from this story
There is a lesson that is so prevalent in the telling of this saint’s life. Trust in the Lord. John, his father, was miserable. The Lord knew his heart, that if he left, his wife would corrupt his son and turn him against Christianity. So he stayed. But God accepted his struggle and gave him peace that his son was in God’s hands now. John so trusted God that he left his son. Theodore trusted God at such a young age that he knew the idol worshipped by his mother was evil, and that toppling it would prove it.
Again and again Theodore demonstrated an absolute trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, even the time and place of his own death.
We are constantly challenged by this world of temptations to not believe in Christ. Those who profess their faith outwardly are mocked and ridiculed. But trust is an inward act first, not outward. Trust is reflecting the truth you hold inside. When we face the inevitable trials and tribulations of this life, remember what your Lord and Savior said to you directly; “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Now, like many times through history, fear sets upon us. Manifested through doubt, but worthless and toothless. Trust is your weapon, peace is your shield, patience is your virtue.
Prayer
May the prayers of St Amir Tadros be with you always and Glory always be to Christ our Savior.
Sts Maximus and Domatius
On the 14th day of the Coptic month Tobi we celebrate the lives of Saints Maximus and Domatius.
Maximus and his brother Domatius were sons of a Roman Emperor who feared God and raised his sons in a holy and Christian manner. They were full of purity and holiness, always praying and reading the holy books. When they realized that this world was only transitional and temporal, they decided to leave to live a monastic life. They asked their father permission to let them travel to the City of Nicea, to pray in the place where the first Universal Council was held in 325 A.D. Their father rejoiced and sent them with an entourage of soldiers and servants, as was the custom for the children of kings. When they arrived, they asked the soldiers to go back to their father and tell him that they wanted to stay there for some time. Then they revealed their thoughts to one saintly monk that they wanted to put on the holy garb of a monk. The monk did not agree with them because he feared their father, and told them to go to Syria to see Saint Agabius. They went and stayed there for six years until his departure. Before he departed, he told them that he had desired to see Saint Macarius of Scetis in the flesh so he commanded them to go to Saint Macarius and become his children.
God granted Maximus and Domatius the gift of healing. Their report was heard in all the countries, especially among the sea merchants and the travellers. They learned the trade of making ship’s sails, and they were able to support themselves with money earned by selling their work. Any extra they gave to charity. One day, one of their father's stewards saw a sailboat on which it was written, “Maximus and Domatius''. He tried to get some information from the ship owner who said to him, “These are the names of two monk brothers which I have written on my ship as a blessing, so that God may prosper my business.'' He described them to him. The steward recognized them and took the man to the Emperor, and when the Emperor verified what he had heard, he sent their mother and the princess, their sister, to meet them. When they met with the two saints and recognized them, they wept. Their mother wanted them to return with her, but they refused. Meanwhile, they soothed the hearts of their mother and their sister.
After a while, the Patriarch of Rome departed, and they remembered Maximus, whom they wanted to ordain in his place. His father rejoiced when he heard this. When the news arrived to Maximus and his brother, they remembered the command of their father Saint Agabius. They disguised themselves, and went to the road along the Mediterranean, and when they were thirsty, God transformed the salty water into fresh water. Finally, they reached the wilderness of Scetis, where Saint Macarius was residing. They told him that they wanted to live with him and be his disciples. When Saint Macarius saw that they were rich, he thought that they would not be able to live in the desert because of its harshness. They answered him saying, “If we are not able to live here, we will return to where we came from.'' He then gave them a shovel, asked them to dig a cave in solid rock for them to reside in, thinking that they would be too tired to complete it and leave. St Macarius also taught them how to plait palm leaves and then introduced them to someone who would take their crafts to sell. St Macarius left them to their work.
They lived in this manner for three full years, never meeting anyone. They only went to Church on Sundays to partake of the Holy Communion silently. Saint Macarius marvelled that they did not seek his advice during this time. After praying for God to reveal their secret for a whole week, he went to visit them in their cell where he also spent the night. When he woke up at midnight, as was his custom to pray, he saw the two Saints praying and a ray of light, like fire, going from their mouths to heaven. Devils were all around them like flies, and the angel of the Lord standing with a sword of fire protecting them. At dawn, they pretended they were asleep and they all got up. Saint Macarius put on them the holy garb of the monk, and asked them to pray for him. They bowed to the ground before him and they were silent.
When they completed their course, and the Lord wanted to take them away from this sad temporal world, Saint Maximus became sick, and sent for Saint Macarius to come and visit him. When Saint Macarius arrived, he found him ill with a fever. He consoled him, and Saint Macarius saw a crowd of prophets and saints, including Saint John the Baptist, gathered around him until he gave up his pure spirit in dignity and honor.
Saint Domatius, his brother, was weeping bitterly, and asked Saint Macarius to pray to Christ to take him also to be with his brother. After three days, he became sick, and Saint Macarius visited him. On his way, he saw the crowd of saints who had carried his brother before, now carrying the soul of Saint Domatius up to Heaven. When he arrived at the cave, he found that he had passed away. He put his body with his brother's.
When Saint Macarius was asked about these two Saints not going to consult his wisdom, he replied that they were very wise themselves. Perfect and humble. They didn't want to make that be known to the other monks for fear of being praised for attaining such spiritual levels in their young age.
Lessons from this story
Diligent work and comfort in the Lord. Just like Maximus and Domatius, diligence and comfort are brothers in Christ. This story of two brothers born into a wealthy and comfortable life, found comfort in the Holy readings that led them to seek a monastic life. They diligently prayed and toiled diligently for a life eternal and not temporal. All their efforts were to this goal. The Bible tells us the hard work is in vain if not with the Lord, for the house built without God will not stand. Diligence is the child of patience and selflessness - putting all your effort into the diligent work at hand. Comfort is the child of faith and hope in the Lord Jesus Christ. This life’s tale shows that the sought guidance from one saint and another. They were given directions, “dig a cave in solid rock for your home” and they did it without further guidance. For they received comfort both from the hard work and the obedience they lived by.
Ever task you take, every challenge you face, stop and seek guidance from Jesus Christ, from the Saints, from your Holy Father. No matter how small or challenging, take just a moment to invite all of them to participate in this task. Whether for work, service or fun - starting with a prayer can bring comfort to your diligent effort.
Prayer
May the prayers and guidance of Saints Maximus and Domatius be with us all always, amen.
St Matruna
On the 10th day of the Coptic month of Tute we celebrate the martyrdom of Saint Matruna.
Matruna was a maid-servant to a Jewish lady. She was born of Christian parents, but her mistress repeatedly attempted to entice her to adopt the Hebrew religion, but she remained faithful to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This strong belief in Christianity enraged her mistress who would humiliate her, treat her badly, and over-burden Matruna with servitude.
One day she accompanied her mistress to the Jewish temple. She did not enter but went to a Christian church. And when her mistress asked her where she had been and why she did not enter the Synagogue with her? Matruna replied, "God had departed far from the synagogue that is yours, how shall I enter it? Whereas the place that should be entered is the church which the Lord Christ has bought with His blood." Her mistress became angry at this and beat her harshly, then imprisoned her in a dark place where she spent four days without food or drink. This demonic mistress then took Matruna out and beat her painfully, then returned her back to her imprisonment where she died.
After her death, her mistress feared that the authorities would hold her accountable for her death. She took Matruna’s body to the top of her house and threw her down so that it would be said that she had fallen by accident. Accursed by God, her feet slipped and she fell to her death.
Lessons from this story
Can you forgive a person that beat you, tortured you or even killed you? This is what it means to be Christian - to be like Christ. Matruna, like Christ, was beaten, tortured and eventually killed - though innocent of any crime. During all of this Christ, hanging from the cross, prayed for forgiveness to those “who know not what they do.” So this begs the question, can you be like Christ in this example? Let me take this one step further. Consider this, when a person, so enraged with hate and anger, kills a Christian, that Christian will then pray for forgiveness for that killer. This is not hard for us to know for the Bible tells us so. We can not defeat anger with anger, for that only enrages the devil more. But when “turn the other cheek” and show love, faith in Christ and compassion for those in pain - we defeat the devil, robbed him of all power and truly become “like Christ.”
The lives of Saints are people like you and me who have just fully immersed their life with a complete devotion to living fully like Christ.
Prayer
May the intercessions of St Matruna continue to strengthen us against the rising angers against those that wrong us and help us find the light that leads to eternal life with Jesus Christ. Amen.
Sts Cosmas and Demian
On the 22th day of the Coptic month of Hatoor we celebrate the lives of Sts Cosmas and Demian.
Cosmas and Damian were from one of the Arab countries. Their mother, Theodata, feared God and was compassionate and merciful towards strangers. She became a widow, while her children were still young. She raised them in the fear of God and the love of righteousness. As a result of her dedication, three of her sons lived in the desert as Monks, but Cosmas and Demian studied medicine. In honor of their faith and their mother, they treated the sick free of charge.
In the days of Emperor Diocletian, after he renounced his Christian faith, he order all to participate in the worship of idols. He was told that Cosmas and Damian were preaching in the Name of Christ and urging followers not to worship his idols. Diocletian ordered them to be brought before the Governor of the city. In an attempt to please Diocletian, this Governor tortured them severely by beating them and burning them. But he did not stop there, he asked these two the whereabouts of their brothers the monks. Finding out, he dragged them, along with their mother to the city center and demanded them to raise incense before the idols. They refused.
The Governor ordered them all, to be squeezed through the wheel. They experienced no harm. He had them cast into a hot furnace for three days and three nights, then into hot boiling water. Finally he placed them on red-hot iron beds. Through all of this, however, the Lord raised them up whole and unharmed to reveal His glory and the honor of His saints.
When the Governor became weary of torturing them he sent them to the Emperor who also tortured them. Their mother constantly encouraged and comforted them. The Emperor rebuked her, but she admonished him for his cruelty and for worshipping empty idols. He ordered her head to be cut off and she received the crown of everlasting life. Her body remained on the ground and no one dared to bury it for fear of the Emperor.
Cosmas screamed at those present saying, "Men of this city, is there not one merciful person among you who will cover the body of this poor old widow and bury her?" Straightaway, Victor, the son of Romanus, came forward, took the body, placed it in a shroud, and buried it.
When the Emperor heard what Victor had done, he ordered that he be exiled in the land of Egypt, where he received the crown of martyrdom. The next day, the Emperor ordered their heads to be cut off as well. On that day Cosmas, Demian, and their brothers; Anthimus, Leontius and Euprepius received the crown of life in the kingdom of heaven.
Lessons from this story
There is a lesson here that still stands in some countries to this day. Coptic medical and dental professionals who volunteer their services on mission trips around the world, will be welcomed if they abide by a simple rule - you may heal the sick and serve the poor but you must not evangelize. Jesus Christ was the greatest of all healers, a physician sent to heal the sick of this world. These brave volunteers emulate Christ in their service, but also in their obedience.
Being like Christ is to service in His name, but healing is not just of the body - but mind, heart and soul as well. There is a famous line attributed to St Francis of Assisi. He gathered his monk brethren and said we must go to town and preach the word of Christ. He and his brothers walked the length of the town then back again - speaking to no one. As they approached the monastery, one of the monks noted, “We did not preach.” To which St Francis said, “We do not need to speak only to be seen.”
We emulate the light of Christ in our service. Our joyful and willing nature to do such a service is, in its purest form, evangelizing the message of the love and compassion of Jesus Christ. Limitations can be placed on your words, but not your actions. And remember, this light that shines through you is of God and it penetrates those whom God knows are ready to receive.
Prayer
Oh Lord help us to serve always in your Holy Name in whatever capacity we can. Help us be guided by this love for mankind and not fear the stares of those who do not understand. Let your light shine through us all for all. May the prayers of Saints Cosmas and Demian, their brothers and mother be with us all, amen.
St Polycarp
On the 16th day of the Coptic month Meshir, we celebrate the life of St Polycarp the Peace-Maker.
Pangratios was born about 69 AD to a Christian family who received its Christian faith from the very Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ. In the Apostolic Ages, the young church survived and was strengthened by visits from the chosen Apostles and the Apostles’ disciples. With such a strong religious background, it is not difficult to understand how one could become such an ardent defender of the Orthodox Faith.
History tells us that Pangratios became a priest and was chosen by the bishop at the time as His Grace’s personal secretary. One of the first stories told about Father Pangratios and how he derived the name of "Polycarp" is as follows:
A drought had brought disaster throughout the countryside of Smyrna. The crops had failed, animals were dying, and disease was spreading due to the lack of clean water. The community would not be able to endure much longer. The bishop and his young priest, Pangratios, exhorted a three-day period of prayers and fasting to be observed by all Christians. Father Pangratios and as many as could manage, fasted the entire period. Finally on the third day, the clouds began to appear in the Heavens; that afternoon the rains came and refreshed the parched land.
Everyone rejoiced and it soon became known throughout the land that God had ended the drought in answer to the fast and prayer of Father Pangratios and the faithful Christians. Soon Father Pangratios was being called by a new name: Father "Polycarp" which means "many fruits."
Appointed to be Bishop of the See of Smyrna by the Apostles themselves, at the age of 40, he provides us with an important link in our long historical chain of Orthodox tradition clasping together the Apostles and the Second Century Church. The See of Smyrna’s present day location is Izmir, Turkey on the Aegean Sea in Asia Minor. St. Polycarp was soon to become: a bishop known for good works, a renowned defender of the Orthodox Faith against Gnosticism, and a noble martyr.
St Polycarp sat at the feet of St. John the Apostle. Documents written by St. Polycarp confirm that he knew others "who had seen the Lord in the flesh." It can only be imagined the lessons that St. Polycarp learned from these blessed men. But a glimpse of his knowledge obtained from them can be found within St. Polycarp’s teachings.
He taught that one should rejoice in the Lord Jesus Christ, to serve God in fear and truth and to always walk in His Commandments. St. Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians is filled with these messages using quotes from the Holy Gospel, Acts, and the Epistles of the New Testament. It seems that this particular saint not only was a link between the Apostles and the Second Century Church but a faithful transmission of church doctrine as well.
St. Polycarp devoted much of his life to refuting Gnosticism. Being a strong defender of Orthodoxy, he admonished all heretics. It is written that St. Polycarp once met a heretic Marcion in the street. Marcion asked if St. Polycarp recognized him. St. Polycarp replied, "Indeed I do for you are the firstborn of Satan!"
St. Polycarp’s martyrdom is perhaps one of the most endearing. On a day in February about 155 AD this great bishop departed with the honor of the crown of martyrdom to the Heavenly Reward. His martyrdom is much more than a story; it is an actual recorded eyewitness account.
The year in which St. Polycarp was martyred was during a civil celebration in Smyrna and games were being held in the local amphitheater. The beasts had killed a Christian boy for his Christian beliefs. The crowd blamed St. Polycarp for installing these beliefs in the mind of the young boy and called for his death also.
The faithful, against his wishes, insisted he go to a nearby farm. St. Polycarp prayed night and day for all men and for all the churches throughout the world. One night in prayer he had a vision that his pillow blazed with fire. He knew then he would be burned alive.
The legal authorities in the upper room of the farmhouse discovered him. St. Polycarp ordered a meal for his captors and asked for an hour in which to pray. When the saint finished praying he was taken on a mule to ride back to the city. On the way to the amphitheater he was insulted and threatened but he would not deny God. In the amphitheater facing his death, He confessed the Lord God with his very last breath.
When the executioners came to tie St. Polycarp to the stake to be burned he asked them to leave him as he was. So, they bound his arms only yet, they did not tie him to the stake to be burned. A great fire was lit and a great flame burst over the entire pyre completely covering St. Polycarp’s body. The flames failed to consume his flesh. The executioner then stabbed his body with a dagger. Once dead, the flames reduced St. Polycarp’s body to ashes. This was an aged man who died with valor. His testimony was a simple one; he loved the Lord with all his heart, with all his soul, and with his very life.
Lessons from this story
At the heart of this story is found a lesson. Beneath St. Polycarp’s endurance, nobility, and obedience was peace. The way in which he drew each breath was one of peace. If the weather was foul he prayed and fasted. His teachings were of joy and ways that would lead to peace. If Gnosticism was to be refuted he confronted the heretics staunchly yet he had the peace of the Lord with him. When discovered in the upper room, he invited his captors for a meal. Before his being led back into the city he prayed. With peace, he faced the flames of fire. Peace on earth, that famous three word saying refers directly to Christ walking among us. Peace comes from Jesus Christ, from knowing Him and welcoming Him into your daily life. The Peace that St Polycarp had almost 2,000 years ago, is the very same peace we have today. Time does not fade truth, it only makes it stronger.
Prayer
Lord, lead us to learn from St. Polycarp, the true meaning of peace and how to apply it in our daily life. As we martyr ourselves to the daily temptations of this world, help us to not let that be replaced by anger for our own failings. Help us to always find peace in our daily struggles. Give us strength to be like St Polycarp and offer peace in response to passion, for blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the "children of God." May the prayers and intercessions of St Polycarp be with us all, amen.
St Mena the Wonder Worker
On the 15th day of the Coptic month of Hathor we celebrate the life of St Mena.
Mena was born in Egypt in the year 285 AD in the city of Niceous, in the vicinity of Memphis. His father, Eudoxius, was a native of the city and was its Governor. His brother was envious of him and he brought charges against him before the Emperor. The Emperor transferred Mena to Afrikia and appointed him Governor over it. The people were pleased with him because he was merciful and God-fearing.
Before Mena was born, his mother Euphemia was barren. She went to a church on the feast of our Lady St Mary the Holy Theotokos. She saw the children in the church wearing their beautiful clothes with their parents and she heaved a heavy sigh and wept before the icon of St. Mary entreating her to intercede before her beloved Son, in order that He would give her a son. A voice came from the icon saying, "Amen." She rejoiced in what she had heard and realized that the Lord had heard her prayers. When she returned to her home and told her husband about it, he replied, "May God's Will be done."
The Lord gave them this saint and they called him Mena, according to the voice that his mother heard. When he grew, his parents taught him reading and writing and they raised him in the Christian faith. When he was eleven years old, his father departed at a good old age. His mother departed three years later. Mena devoted his life to fasting, praying and living a Christian life. Because of everyone's love towards him and his father, they placed him in his father's position. In spite of that, he did not forsake his worshipping.
When Diocletian went back on his word to protect Christianity, he issued orders to worship idols, many were martyred in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Mena left his position and went to the desert, where he stayed many days worshipping God with all his heart.
One day he saw the heavens open and the martyrs wearing beautiful crowns. He heard a voice saying, "He who toils for the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ shall receive these crowns." He returned to the city over which he was Governor and confessed the Name of Jesus Christ as Lord. Knowing that he belonged to a noble family, they tried to dissuade him from his faith and promised him honors and precious gifts. When he did not change his mind, they threatened him and the Governor ordered him to be tortured. When the Governor failed to turn him away from his faith, he sent him to his brother so that he might influence him but he too failed. Finally, the Governor ordered his head to be cut off with a sword, his body to be cast in the fire and his ashes to be scattered in the wind. The body remained in the fire for three days and three nights, but was not harmed.
His sister came and gave the soldiers a lot of money and they let her take the body. She put it in a sack made of fern leaves and decided to go to Alexandria, as her brother had previously advised her. She embarked with her brother's body on one of the ships to Alexandria.
During their trip, sea creatures came out of the water and attacked the passengers aboard the ship. They were frightened and screamed with fear. The Saint's sister prayed to the Lord and asked for the intercession of her brother. While the passengers were in fear, fire went forth from her brother's body and burned the faces of the beasts. The creatures retreated immediately into the water and as they reappeared, the fire burned them again. They finally dived down and did not reappear.
When the ship arrived at the city of Alexandria, most of the people went out with the father, the Patriarch. They carried the holy body with reverence and honor and entered the city with a venerable celebration and placed it in the church, after they shrouded it in expensive shrouds. When the time of persecution ended, the angel of the Lord appeared to the honorable Patriarch, Anba Athanasius, the Apostolic. The angel informed him of the Lord's command which was to place the body of St. Mena on a camel and to take it out of the city without letting anyone lead it, but to follow it from a distance until it stopped at a place that the Lord had designated. They walked behind the camel until they arrived at a place called Lake Bayad, in the district of Marriott. There they heard a voice saying, "This is the place where the Lord wishes the body of his beloved Mena to be placed." They lowered the body and placed it in a coffin, then they situated it in a beautiful garden and many miracles happened through the body.
Lessons from this story
When we hear the story of Saint Mena, we think of the biblical stories of Sara, the mother of Isaac or Hanna, the mother of Samuel. Both were barren but prayed for the gift of a child. This was the case with Euphemia, the mother of St Mena. Our life can at times feel barren, void of life, but in the time according to our Lord Jesus Christ, all are blessed with His purpose. Mena was born in response to the Holy Theotokos’ intercessions to Christ on behalf of his mother. We, at times, think our prayers are not heard as we measure them according to our time table, not to the Lord’s. But if we look back we will realize that had the answer come when we wanted it, the reward would not have been as great. It is hard to show patience in the heat of our wants and desires, but we must trust that the Lord sees all and knows what is best for us. He knows our hearts better than we do. Our patience in Him will be met with a reward far sweeter than our initial request. From nothing was the greatest of creations brought forth (Adam) so we must firmly believe that from nothing God can manifest wonders. In the reading of this story, we see the wonders of a prayerful request, and faithful intercession, and hope of the greatness that is to come. These saints are our family, ready to pray and intercede on our behalf. But even they can not dictate the time or nature of God’s will.
Prayer
Lord, grant us patience with a firm faith that we know our prayers are heard and that You will reward the believer. As David said in the Psalm “I shall hear him; I am with him in his affliction, and I shall deliver him and glorify him.” Let our hope be in the knowledge that your reward is better than we can ask and always to your glory. May the prayers and intercessions of St Mena the wonderworker be with us all, amen.
St John The Short
On the 20th day of the Coptic month of Paopi, which is usually on November 9th, we celebrate the life of St John the Short.
Born John Kolobos (which means the “little” or the “dwarf”, in 339 AD in Upper Egypt to a poor but holy family. His desire for a monastic life from his early years led him to remote places where he trained himself for this austere lifestyle. Led by Divine inspiration when he was only eighteen years old, he went to the wilderness of Skete and devoted his whole heart to put on the spirit of Christ.
He went to become a disciple of the old hermit, Abba Pemurah (who was also the teacher of Saint Pishoy - the perfect man). Abba Pemurah tried to deter John from this harsh monastic life. But that night an angel appeared to him asking him to accept the young John as a monk. After three full days of fasting and prayers, the master and the disciple witnessed an angel blessing the new cloths John was to put on.
John renounced all distraction and entertainment; and since monasteries were not built at that time, only hermits were populating the desert. He endured all the difficult tests as an experienced master rather than a bright disciple. Abba Pemurah led him to perfect watchfulness, solitude, subduing the body, meekness, silence, humility, simplicity and obedience.
Abba Pemurah taught John about silent obedience saying to him, ``My son, be silent lest evil thoughts overtake your mind and lose your soul. Particularly in church, we ought the most to be careful in order to be worthy of the presence of Holy Mysteries."; Pemurah told John to plant in the ground a walking-stick and water it every day till it should bring forth fruit. John did so with great simplicity, though the river was about 12 miles away from the stick. When he had continued his task, diligently and without protest, the stick in its third year had taken root, sprouted leaves and produced fruit. John gathered the fruit, carried it to the church, and giving it to some of the brethren, said, “Take, and eat the fruit of obedience''.
John believed that the perfection of a monk consists in his keeping to his cell, watching constantly over himself and having God continually present to his mind. He never discussed worldly affairs and never spoke of “News'', the ordinary amusement of the superficial.
He stressed the importance of “quietness” saying, “The longer quietness prevails, the weaker the pains of lusts become, and the healthier the mind becomes until it reaches peace.'' His mind dwelt constantly on Divine issues; he used to take one of the commandments each day and work hard to perfect it. He was so intent on the things of God that he became very absent-minded avoiding the words of men and their discussions and so to cultivate the thoughts of peace.
In 374, Abba Pemurah departed after suffering 12 years of illness during which John tended to him. At his last moments, Pemurah called John “the angel of God on earth'' and instructed him to make his abode next to the “Tree of Obedience''.
John left and then dug a cave to worship in solitude. His virtues were spreading quickly and many monks, came to him to learn about and follow his angelic life. He was then leading by example; he surpassed all the elders in their self-control. When he had made a comment to a non-obedient brother during harvest, he begged him to forgive him and spent the whole year fasting (eating only bread and salt every third day) praying, “Forgive me, O Lord, for I angered your creation''.
John's disciples were increasing in number and came from everywhere to his abode by the “Tree of Obedience'' where a monastery was later built and remained open until the 17th century. When he drew near his end, his disciples entreated him to leave them some final lesson of Christian perfection. He sighed, that he might avoid the air of vanity alleging his own doctrine. He said, “I never followed my own will; nor did I ever teach another what I had not first practiced myself''.
When he departed, a servant saw the angels carrying his soul to Heaven accompanied by the spirits of the saints. His servant treated the body with honor and carried him to the village. Later, in 515, his body was taken to the desert of Skete.
Lessons from this story
There two important lessons that St John the short shares. One was the importance of silence and quietness in our lives. We spend so much time going back and forth that our minds are in constant state of frantic tangled worry and concern. Squeezing out the presence of God in our daily life. This practice of stealing a few moments from your day for quiet contemplation and silence is both spiritually healthy but mentally, physically and emotionally very rewarding. Calm the storms of your day with a moment of silence and stillness.
His other lesson to practice what you preach. Have an honest discussion with yourself about what you tell people and what you actually do. A confession to yourself. Not to expose yourself to others but to be true to yourself. Catch those moments where you feel you are saying one thing but doing another, and question the reason why. Then take your moment of quiet stillness for this truth to unwind your tangled life.
Prayer
Lord, as you give us this day as our daily bread help us savor the sweetness of this daily treat. To find the moments to enjoy and rejoice in the quietness of Your care. May the prayers of St John the Short be large on our behalf. Amen
St John Chrysostom
On September 14th we celebrate the departure of St John Chrysostom. John was born into a wealthy and distinguished family in the city of Antioch, an area revered at the time of being “inferior only to Old and New Rome, and of equal rank with Alexandria.” This city and its distinction among the empire influences John throughout his life. His father, Secundus, who held a prominent position with the Chief Military Governor for the eastern provinces of Imperial Rome, died before John was born. His mother, Anthusa, though also born into wealth, was a devout and pious woman. Antioch was under Roman rule, but Christianity flourished in the homes and with the youth. “Christian mothers, animated by the Spirit of the Gospel, exerted themselves in the education of their sons, and anxiously sought aid of religion to guard their tender years from the contamination of surrounding vice.”
Like any significant city back then and today, there was a convergence of diverse cultures from around the trading world. These varied influences helped to create “a climate which stimulated the passions, contributed to promote every species of (carnal) crime.” Children of luxury will always neglect their education in pursuit of more pleasurable activities without the steady hand of a governing parent. A sorority of mothers formed a sanctuary among their community to safeguard their children from a hedonistic lifestyle.
Interestingly though, as devoted as Anthusa was to the Christian seeds planted in young John’s development, she refused to consecrate her son to monastic life. Instead, “she endeavored to secure Chrysostom a superior education.” This led John to attend the prestigious school of Libanius, where he developed a foundational familiarity with ancient Greek philosophy. This is also where John became polished in his words and eloquence, earning him the name “Χρυσόστομος” (Khrusostomos) which is a Greek word meaning “golden-mouthed.”
With his flare of eloquence, knowledge of philosophy, and his devoted love to the Bible, John Chrysostom illustrated great truths about life. Being exposed to the colorful stories of mythology, while deeply rooted in Christianity, John applied this same artful rendering of biblical characters with a vivid and lively display. As John grew in stature and reverence, he retreated to an inter-personal relationship with God that he considered an inexhaustible fountain of happiness. He yearned for the life of a monk, separated from the world, “Chrysostom warmly participated in the general feelings of veneration for their mode of life.” Though his dear friend, Basilius (who we will later cal Saint Basil), did become a monk, John’s mother “strove to prevent (this), representing to him, that he was the only comfort of her old age.” Despite John’s absence from monastic life, he regarded a single life devoted to God as the highest of Christian virtues. After the death of his mother, John Chrysostom finally joined the monks in Antioch.
Queen Eudoxia, the wife of Emperor Arcadius, had a lust for money. She took a garden which belonged to a poor widow by force, who complained to the St John. He went to the Queen, admonished her and asked her to return the garden to its owner. When Eudoxia did not obey him, he prevented her from entering the church and partaking of the Holy Communion. She became exceedingly angry and gathered a council of bishops whom St. John had previously excommunicated for their evil. They sentenced the saint to be exiled. The people were enraged and they gathered around the royal palace demanding the return of the Patriarch. While the people were sorrowful because of their righteous shepherd, a severe earthquake took place and almost destroyed the city, terrifying everyone. The people thought that this was a sign of the Lord's anger, caused by the exile of the Saint.
Eudoxia was disturbed, her soul was troubled and she went in haste to her husband and asked him to bring back the saint from exile. Once the light of the shepherd shone on his flock, their sorrow changed to joy and their wailing was replaced by the songs of joy and happiness. The beloved St John served his Lord until his departure in the year 407.
Lessons from this story
The writings and stories of St John Chrysostom are so innumerable that dedicating an entire life to uncovering the richness of his contributions to the early church would not be enough to contain them. But he is one of those writers that has a wealth of knowledge to share in each concise and descriptive sentence. I urge you to take some time to read his works. But the take away from this sharing of his story would be to focus on is his humility and obedience.
There is no denying St John Chrysostom yearned to be a monk, it was his passionate lifelong goal. But in recalling one of God’s commandments, to honor thy mother and father, St John set aside his desire to honor his mother’s wishes for him to stay. Though he lived as a monk, prayed and fasted, and retained all the life as a monk, he did not depart from his mother’s side until her passing. Conversely, when the Queen Eudoxia conveyed a council of St John’s enemies and they exiled him, rather than rally the crowd to his defense, he calmed the crowd and accepted the banishment with humility and obedience.
We all have a goal, a dream, a place we want for ourselves but we should not let that dream trample the here and now. Parents sometimes become workaholics, reasoning that they are doing this for their family, when in fact they are robbing themselves of the joys of the here and now with their children. God knows our hearts. Trust in Him and enjoy the time we have now with those around us. Appreciate what you have and not dwell on that which we do not have. For in the right time, according to God’s will all good things will come.
Prayer
Lord, guide us with wisdom and patience as you did with St John. Help us to see the value of each moment and each person. May the prayers of the St John Chrysostom be with us all. Amen.
St. Demiana
On the 13th of the Coptic month of Tubah, the blessed St. Demiana was martyred. This chaste and fighter virgin, was the daughter of the Governor of the northern delta valley of the Nile. She was his only daughter. When she was a year old, her father, known as Marcos or Mark, took her to the monastery of Al-Maymah. He offered alms, candles and oblations so that God might bless her and keep her in God’s care.
When she was fifteen years old, her father wanted her to be wed. She refused, and told him that she had vowed herself a bride to Christ. When she saw that her father was pleased with her intention, she asked him to build her a place where she could worship God in seclusion with her virgin friends. He fulfilled her wish and built the house she wanted. She lived in it with forty other virgins. They spent their time reading the holy scripture and in worship.
Shortly after, Emperor Diocletian sent for Demiana's father, and ordered him to worship the idols. He refused at first, but after the Emperor appeased him, he obeyed this order and worshipped the idols and forsook the Creator of the Universe. When he returned to his official seat, Demiana knew what had transpired, and rushed to meet him. She did not greet him, but said, "What is it that I heard about you? I would have preferred to hear about your death rather than to hear that you have renounced your faith and forsaken the God Who created you from non-existence into being, to worship gods made by hands. Take note that if you do not return to your first faith and renounce the worship of stones, you are not my father and I am not your daughter," and she left him.
Her father was greatly moved by the words of his daughter, and he wept bitterly. In haste, he went to Diocletian and confessed his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. When the Emperor could not convince him with threats and promises, he ordered him beheaded.
When Diocletian knew that it was Demiana that turned her father back to Christ, he sent a prince to try to first gently convince her to worship idols, but if she disobeyed him, he would behead her. The prince went to her with two hundred soldiers and the instruments of torture. When he arrived at her palace, he said to her, "I am a messenger sent from Emperor Diocletian. I came to call upon you according to the Emperor's orders, to worship his gods, so that he can grant you all that you want." The saint shouted in his face saying, "May God denounce the messenger and the one by whom he was sent. Don't you have any shame at all to call stones and wood gods which are inhabited by devils? There is no god in heaven or on earth except one God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, the Eternal Creator, the Everlasting, Who is everywhere, Who knows all the secrets, and Who can cast you into the eternal fire. As for me, I am the maidservant of my Master and my Savior Jesus Christ, and His Good Father and the Holy Spirit, the Holy Trinity, Him I confess and upon Him I depend, and in His Name I die, and by Him I live forever."
The prince became exceedingly angry and ordered her to be placed into a squeezing press until her blood poured out of her body. The virgins were standing weeping over her. When they put her in prison, the angel of the Lord appeared to her, touched her body with his illumined wings, and she was healed of all her wounds. The prince used all his evil imagination to torture the blessed St. Demiana; tearing of her flesh and placing her in boiling oil. Through it all the Lord raised her up safely. When the prince saw that all his attempts were in vain, before the steadfastness of this pure virgin he ordered her beheaded, and all the other virgins with her. Thus, they all received the crowns of martyrdom.
Lessons from this story
Daughter: I believe this story is one of true strength. When you think about it, a parent is supposed to be the wise, strong and protector of his children or child, but in this case it was Demiana who remained true to her faith. Even though her father did fall under the pressure of Diocletian he had been the one to raise such a strong and steadfast believer in Demiana, so in a way he saved himself through her upbringing. Lessons to be taken from this story include having strength and remaining steadfast even when the whole world turns against you. Similar to Job, Demiana even had her family turning away from God, but she never lost sight of Him. Additionally, I believe that Demiana inspires us to not lose faith in the ones we care about and love, we can still bring them to the truth and save them.
Dad: For me I see a smaller story of extreme importance in this. Her father, Marcos, knew of his own weakness. But he so loved God, that he took his daughter to the monastery to beg God to keep her in God’s care. This demonstration of faith in God was further supported by his quick willingness to recognize his daughter’s right to remain a virgin and he built a home for her and her virgin friends. Though he is not recognized in this story as a saint, I find his story compelling. He was honest with himself and before the Lord. He asked God for help to keep his daughter safe. And when he fell, he repented and faced evil with the truth that what he knew was true.
Not all of us will be saints. If we compare the number of saints known to the billions of souls that have passed through the years we can honestly say the chances of us being a saint is very rare. But here we have an average man, faithful and dedicated, who fell to temptation, repented and then returned stronger than before he fell. God knows our weaknesses, the trick is for us to be honest with ourselves as to what our weaknesses are and to trust in God when our time of test comes.
Prayer
Lord, as you know we are human and prone to weaknesses by our design for you created us to be perfect, but we denied this perfection and fell. Help us to know our weaknesses and turn to you for the strength to overcome them. May the prayers and intercessions of St Demiana, her father and the other virgin martyrs be with us all. Amen.
St Verena
On the 4th day of the Coptic month Thout (September 14) we celebrate the departure of St. Verena.
Verena came from a noble Christian family from the region of Thebes (which is now called Luxor). They advised her to go to Bishop Sherimon of Beni Suef, who instructed her in the Christian faith and later baptized her. Verena joined the Theban legion on its mission to Switzerland and the soldier’s relatives were allowed to accompany them in order to look after their needs and attend to the wounded. She was a close relative of St. Maurice. After St. Maurice and his legion were martyred, she led an isolated and life of a hermit, fasting and prayer daily. God performed many miracles through her.
The saint served as a spiritual guide for young girls and, as a nurse, also looked after their physical well-being. As a result of her fame, the ruler arrested her and sent her to jail, where St. Maurice appeared to her. His spirit consoled and strengthened her. After she was released from prison, she traveled to several regions. God continued to perform miracles through her. She also led many people to the Christian faith.
Verena was fond of serving the poor, often feeding them. She tended to the sick, especially those suffering from leprosy. She lovingly treated their wounds fearless of their contagious disease. The Holy Virgin Mary appeared, strengthening her before her eventual departure. In 1986, a delegation from the St. Verena Church of Zurich Switzerland, brought her holy relics to Egypt.
Lessons from this story
This is a great lesson in the importance of service. St Verena is renowned for her service to the poor and sick. We all play an integral role in the economy of God through our various services. And as St Paul says in his epistle to the Corinthians, we are one body with Christ as the head. So the service we provide can be different, just as the foot is different from the hand. For St Verena, she faced the most outcasted people of the time, the lepers. These were regarded as vermin for their disease was very contagious. Yet St Verena tended to them with the same love and care as a loved one.
Being Christian is by definition ‘being like Christ’. So being like Christ is to remember that he chose to be among the most excluded, the most disreputable, the most wretched, the poor, self-hating and diseased among us. It is a scary thought serving as Christ did. If your service is born out of pride and vanity, then it and you will fail. But service born out of love, as Christ loves, succeeds. St Verena loved the poor and sick as Christ did. She conveyed a reverence to God through human dignity.
It is hard for us at times to look beyond what we see in another person, and to see only God’s creation. St Verena shared a love for a stranger as we share with our parents, child or spouse. Try to see God in all whom you encounter.
Prayer
Lord, help us to see all whom we meet as your children. To look beyond the human condition and present perfect in Christ the human dignity God shows us all. May the prayers and intercessions of St Verena be with us all. Amen.
The Martyrdom of the Forty Martyrs of Sebastia.
On March 10 we celebrate the forty martyrs of the city of Sebastia. Emperor Constantine the great had appointed his friend Lecius ruler for the east and commanded him to treat the Christians with dignity. Upon his arrival though, Lecius ordered his subordinates to worship the idols of the Roman Empire. They refused and cursed the worship of idols. That night in the city of Sebastia, some of these soldiers, and their children, made an agreement among themselves to go to the Governor to confess their faith in Jesus Christ. While they were sleeping the angel of the Lord appeared to them, strengthened them and comforted their hearts.
In the morning they stood before the Governor and openly confessed their faith in Christ. He threatened them but they were unafraid. He commanded his men to stone them, but the stones came back upon those who threw them. He ordered that the confessors be thrown in a nearby lake, which was icy. They suffered greatly because of the excessive cold. One of them whose strength was weakened, went out of the icy water and entered the nearby bath house. The heat in the bath house melted the ice that was on him but he died quickly and lost his reward.
One of the guards saw angels, holding crowns, descend from heaven and placed them over the heads of the remaining thirty nine martyrs. One crown remained in the hand of an angel. Then a guard who witnessed this, went down into the lake shouting "I am christian...I am christian!" He took the crown that was in the hand of the angel and was counted among the martyrs.
Among the martyrs were young men, whose mothers encouraged and strengthened them. They remained in the lake for a long time but they did not die. The Governor, furious, wished to break their legs, but the Lord took their souls and reposed them before he could. The Governor ordered that their bodies be burned and thrown into the sea. As the guards were carrying the bodies out of the lake, they found among them one young man was still alive, so they left him. This young man’s mother took him and tried to throw him on the wagon with his mates but they put him off the wagon again for he was still alive. His mother took him and he died in her bosom, so she placed him back on the wagon. They took them outside the city, cast them into the fire which did not harm them, then the guards cast them into the river.
On the third day those holy martyrs appeared to the Bishop of Sebastia in a vision and told him: "Go to the river and take our bodies." He went with the priests, deacons and the people to the river and found the bodies. They carried the bodies with great honor and placed them in a beautiful shrine, and their faith, strength and struggle was heard throughout the land.
Lessons from this story
God, and by extension the church, calls us to be martyrs daily. To die to the want and greed of this world in the hopes of eternal life. In reading this story we see these young martyrs were not poor men, for they were guards of high rank. And with this position comes prestige and honor. Yet they sacrificed all of that at the altar of the Lord.
This life will shower you with comfort and wealth in hopes this will make you lazy before the Lord. LIttle by little we find it hard to let go of the trappings of this world where we become possessed by our own possessions. And yet we are called every Lent to do just that - be martyrs for the Lord. We fast from desire, from want and from need. We put off the old man to put on the new man that we may shake off the dust of this world and resurrect with Christ.
No one faults us for our pursuits, for family, for comfort for growth of gain. But always be willing to let it all go for a reminder of the truth - that everything we own is temporary except for one thing, our soul. Re-focus the lens of your purview and take time to celebrate with thanksgiving, this life given to you by God.
Prayer
Lord, help us to resist the snares of this world and always keep our focus on Your eternal throne. May the prayers of the forty martyrs of Sebastia be with us all. Amen.
Ascetic.St Marina, the Ascetic
On the 15th day of the Coptic month Mesra, the church celebrates the commemoration of the departure of the nun known as St. Marina the Ascetic.
She was the daughter of a very rich Christian man. Her name was Mariam, and her mother died when she was little girl. Her father raised her, and brought her up well. When he wanted to give her to marriage, and to go himself to be a monk in one of the monasteries, she told him, “O my father, why would you save your own soul, and destroy mine?” He answered saying, “What shall I do with you? You are a woman.” To which she responded with, “I will take off my woman’s dress and will put on the garb of a man.”
She rose up straightway, shaved her head and put on the garb of a man. When her father saw her strong determination and persistent desire, he gave all his possessions to the poor, keeping only a little for himself, and he called her Marina instead of Mariam (Mary).
They went to one of the monasteries, and lived in one of the cells together for ten years, fighting the spiritual fight. When her father, who was old, died, Marina was left alone. She doubled her fasting, prayers and increased her asceticism. No one knew that she was a woman, and they attributed her soft voice to her intense asceticism and vigilant prayers.
The abbot of the monastery sent her, together with three monks, to the city on certain business on behalf of the monastery. They lodged at a local inn. That same night, one of the king’s soldiers also lodged in that same inn. This soldier lusted for the daughter of the lodge’s owner, and took her virginity. After this evil act, he instructed her to tell her father, that the young monk, Father Marina, did this horrible thing to her. When she had conceived a child and showed signs of the coming birth, she told her father the lie that it was Father Marina.
Her father then became angry, went to the monastery and began to curse and insult the monks. The Abbot met with him, comforted and calmed him down and then sent him away. The Abbot then called Marina and scolded her fiercely. When she knew what had happened, she wept and bowed down and said, “I am young, I have sinned, forgive me O my father.” The Abbot, blinded by this embarrassment, cast her out of the monastery.
She dwelt outside of the monastery for a long time. When the daughter of the innkeeper had the baby, her father took the new born to Marina, set the child down before her and left. She took the child, moved among the surrounding shepherds and nursed him with milk. She increased her fasting and prayers following her expulsion from the monastery.
The monks took pity upon her and asked the Abbot for her return. The Abbot consented to their request and allowed her to return to the monastery after he had laid heavy penalties and severe rules upon Marina. She performed very hard labors, such as cooking, cleaning, and watering, as well as her regular monastic duties.
When the child grew, he became a monk. After Marina had completed forty years, she fell ill for three days then departed in peace. The Abbot requested the monks remove her old ragged clothes and prepare her with new ones prior to carrying her to the place of praying. When the monks removed her clothing and found that she was a woman, they all shouted out saying, “God have mercy.”
They informed the Abbot. He came, marvelled at the stoic purity of this wonderous monk, and wept bitterly because of what he had done to her. The Abbot then called the innkeeper and told him that the monk Marina was a woman not a man. The innkeeper went to where her body was and also wept bitterly.
As they prayed over her body one of the monks, who had sight only in one eye, put his face close to her body. Immediately he gained sight in his blind eye.
God allowed a devil to torment the innkeeper’s daughter and soldier. Her friend brought them to where the Saint was buried and both confessed their sin in front of everyone. God manifested innumerable miracles through her blessed body.
Lessons from this story
This is truly a remarkable story for I must confess I am not certain I would have the ability to withstand such a wrongful claim when I am empowered with the obvious truth - as Marina clearly was. But she so loved her dedication to a monastic life that she accepted this trial and tribulation without complaint. What example can we learn from such a stoic example of obedient humility? We are all, at times, falsely accused - either directly or indirectly. It is in our nature to defend ourselves and yet we must remember that vanity sometimes controls our life. St John Chrysostom once wrote that even after a monk has released himself from the world and all its possessions, he struggles with perhaps the hardest to let go - our reputation.
The Bible verse in Matthew 6:1-4, is very clear about reward for charitable deeds. Those done in front of others are rewarded with their praise. But those born in secret are rewarded by God. This saint’s story is quite an extreme example of this, which is why her body performed miracles even after her spirit returned to God. This is because she never allowed it to be defiled, neither by deed, thought or word.
When you are wronged or falsely accused, try and stop your immediate response (which is always invariably delivered with a violent temper) and count to ten. Then address the complaint calmly and rationally always knowing that your Father always knows the truth.
Prayer
Lord, help us to be strong when attacked by the devil and his evil ways. Teach us to endure as you did, as did your prophets and saints. That though this endurance we may shine a path of eternal peace for those who witness. May the prayers and intercessions of Saint Marina be with us all. Amen.
St Abba Dionysius, 14th Pope of Alexandria.
On March 8th, 264 A.D. Saint Abba Dionysius (die-own-knee-seeus), the fourteenth Pope of Alexandria, departed. His parents were star worshippers of the Sun (known as Sabians) and they put emphasis on teaching him all the knowledge of that sect.
One day an old Christian woman passed by him carrying some pages of a book containing an Epistle of St. Paul the apostle. She offered it to him to buy. When he read it he found in it strange sayings and an unusual knowledge. He asked her: "For how much will you sell it?" She said: "For one dinar of gold." He gave her three dinars and asked her to find the rest of the pages of that book, telling her he was willing to pay double for the rest. She returned later with more pages. Having read them through he found the book to be still incomplete, he asked her to search for the rest of the book. "I found these among my father's books.”She replied “If you want to acquire the complete book, go to the church and there you can find it."
He went and asked one of the priests to show him what is called the Epistles of Paul. He gave it to him, read it, and memorized it. Then he went to St. Demetrius the twelfth Pope, who taught and instructed him in the facts of the Christian faith then baptized him. He became well rehearsed in the doctrine and knowledge of the church, and Anba Demetrius appointed him a teacher for the people.
When Anba Demetrius departed and Anba Heraclas (Aeroklas) was enthroned, he appointed him as a deputy to judge among the believers and entrusted him to administer the affairs of the patriarch.
When St. Heraclas departed, all the people agreed to appoint Dionysius the Patriarch. He was enthroned on the first of Tubah(December 28th, 246 A.D.) during the reign of Emperor Philip who was a lover of the Christians. Abba Dionysius shepherded his flock with the best of care, nevertheless, he suffered much tribulations. When Decius rose up against Philip and killed him, and reigned in his place, he incited persecution against the Christians. Decius slew many of the patriarchs, bishops, and believers. This father endured much suffering during that time. Decius died and Gallus reigned after him, and persecution quieted down during his reign.
When Gallus died and Valerian reigned in his place, he renewed the persecution severely against the Christians, and his men seized Abba Dionysius and imprisoned him. They asked him to worship the idols but he refused saying: "We worship God the Father, and His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit the One God." They threatened him, killed men in front of him to terrify him but he was not afraid. They banished him and shortly after, they brought him back and told him: "We have been informed that you consecrate the offering secretly by yourself." He replied: "We do not forsake our prayers day or night" then he turned to the people present around him and told them: "Go and pray and if I am away from you in the body, I shall be with you in spirit." The governor became enraged and returned him to exile.
Sapor, King of Persia, overcame Emperor Valerian and seized him. His son Gallienus, who was wise and gentle, took over the empire. He released all the believers who were in prison and brought back those who were in exile. He wrote to the Patriarch and the bishops a letter to assure their safety in opening the churches.
During his time as Patriarch he defended the faith from many heresies, either by action of deeds or words of wisdom. He finished his good strife, and departed in a good old age having sat on the Apostolic Throne seventeen years, two month and ten days.
Lessons from this story
There are many lessons we can take away from this story. First off is the permanence of Truth. This saint was not schooled in Christianity, far from it. But when the words of the Lord found him, they found him wanting a taste of truth. And once tasted, nothing else will suffice.
We all are priests of the Word. We carry with us a truth that will never fully be known by us or by anyone. Our actions and words should reflect this truth at all times. For by example do we minister the poor of heart and those who have lost hope.
The second take-away is the knowledge that we will, forever, struggle in this world. That there will always rise heresies and fakery to blind people of this Truth we hold in our hearts and minds. Showing our strength in our belief and a willingness to show kindness in the face of ugliness is not only a service pleasing to God, but is worthy to be considered priestly.
Prayer
Lord, help us to shine your light among men and emulate your kindness for all Your creation and that we may ever show reverence to the Word that dawns within us. May the prayers and intercessions of Saint Dionysius be with us all. Amen.
St. Simeon the Stylite “To Rise Above”-
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On the 15th day of the Coptic month Pashons we celebrate the life and teachings of St Simeon the Stylite.
A stylite, also known as a “pillar-saint,” was a type of Christian ascetic who lived on a pillar. They believed that the subjection of their bodies in this way would aid them in the salvation of their souls. The first famous stylite was Saint Simeon the Stylite (the Elder), who climbed a pillar in Antioch in 423 and remained there until his death 37 years later.
We have all heard of extreme asceticism, within the Coptic historical context of our celebration of orthodox faith. Chief among these is the father of monasticism, Saint Antony the Great. The notion of seclusion from the world is not unique in monasticism. This was the main reason why Saint Antony chose the wilderness, and then the cave hundreds of feet above sea level. It was the locational choice of this celebrated saint that was unique.
When the monastic desert elders of the time heard about Simeon and his choice of self-denial, they wanted to test him to determine whether his choice was rooted in humility or pride. They asked, ”So that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” (Matt 6:18)
The idea at the time was genuinely extreme, for St. Simeon had chosen to live out the remainder of his life on the top of a pillar that was less than a few feet wide in diameter. Saint Mary of Egypt chose to live naked in the desert hidden from the world. Saint Paul the Simple elected to live at the foot of St. Antony’s cave seeking guidance in the monastic life. And there are many more examples among the desert fathers. As the elders struggled with this choice of St Simeon, a growing number of followers of people seeking out his prayers, his wisdom, and his guidance grew. The desert fathers felt they needed to seek out a solution.
They decided to order Simeon, under obedience, to come down from the pillar. They rationed that if he disobeyed, they would forcibly drag him to the ground and label his apparent austerity as an act of vanity and self-glory. But, if Simeon was willing to submit, they were to leave him on his pillar.
When asked to leave his plateau of solitude, St Simeon reluctantly came down and showed complete obedience and humility. But before he came down fully, the monks recognized his willingness to submit and told him to stay where he was.
Over the remainder of his life St Simeon chose other pillars of even greater height. But even on the highest of his columns, Simeon was not completely isolated from the world. If anything, the new monolith attracted even more people, both pilgrims who had earlier visited him and sightseers as well. As his reputation for wisdom grew, the Church built walls of isolation around his pillar so he could remain removed from the world. Despite his dedicated life to his ascetic choice of seclusion, he continued to set a limited amount of time daily to minister to those who sought his advice.
Lessons from this story
One of his chief guides was to council against the use of “filthy language” (Colossians 3:8). His advice was to rise above the dirt of the world and not let your words reflect the dirt from which you rise from. We live in a highly secular world today, divided along many lines. Influences from the river of darkness surround our daily life. And in each instance more and more extreme usages of filthy language have become permissible, acceptable and even encouraged. But these rages of word usages are elements of the deceit to desensitize us from their true purpose. Profanity, by its nature, is a curse.
“For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matt 12:37)
We all get mad, angry and tormented by the challenges of life. But to fall victim to the usage of such horrible language is a defilement of the tongue we use to praise God. “You kiss your kids with that mouth?” A modern expression illustrating the dirty words used.
This world uses these words so often in an effort to cause us to forget the vulgarity of their origins. That we sometimes laugh at their usage or even feel they drive home a meaning appropriate to the scene or the event of the situation. But remember this:
We have been commanded authority over the angels above. God placed us in rule over them. The Enemy of Man was envious and rebelled against God’s plan for our humanity and thus devised his own snare to lead us away. Therefore the mouth from which you praise God is given the right to judge angels (1Corinthians 6:3), to communicate with the Saints, and to approach the Holy Altar of eternal life and speak directly to God. Do not soil this sanctuary with words of vile intent.
Saint Simeon went to great extremes to rise above the world and remove himself from the influence of the dirt under our feet. We take our shoes off from our feet when we approach Holy Communion, why would you take the filth underfoot and put it in your mouth?
Prayer
Lord, help us to rise above the dirt of this world. Give us strength to keep our eyes ever focused on You with our mouths ever dedicated to giving thanks. May the prayers of St. Simeon the Stylite be with us. Amen.
ST. AUGUSTINE Bishop of Hippo, Doctor of the Church (A.D. 430)-
Saint Augustine was born in 354 A.D. in Tagaste, a small town near Hippo in what is now Algeria. His father, Pat-Rees-yous, was a pagan and of a violent disposition; but through the example and prudent conduct of his wife, Saint Monica, Patricius was baptized before his death.
As a child, Augustine’s mother instructed him in the Christian religion and taught him how to pray. Falling dangerously ill, he desired to be baptized and his mother got everything ready for it to happen. Suddenly though, he grew better, and the baptism was put off.
Augustine's father wanted him to become a man of learning and cared very little about his character. He went to Carthage in 370 AD when he was only 17 to study rhetoric with eagerness and pleasure; but his motives were driven by vanity and ambition, and he enjoyed loose living way too much.
In Carthage, he had a relationship with a woman (to whom he remained faithful until he sent her away 15 years later). She bore him a son, Adeo-dat-us, in 372.
He switched his studies to philosophy and the search for truth and studied the Scriptures, but from a subjective angle. He was offended with their simplicity, and could not relish their humility or penetrate the spirit of their meaning. He became seduced by Manichaeism - a combination of paganism and philosophy. "I sought with pride", he confessed, "what only humility could make me find. Fool that I was, I left the nest, imagining myself able to fly; and I fell to the ground."
For nine years he had his own schools of rhetoric and grammar in Tagaste and Carthage, while his devoted mother, Saint Monica, spurred on by the assurance of a holy bishop that "the son of so many tears could not perish", never ceased by prayer and gentle persuasion to try to bring him to conversion and reform.
In 383 he secretly departed to Rome, lest his mother should prevent him from going to the big city. There he opened a school for rhetoric, and then was appointed by the government as a teacher in Milan, where his mother, and his friend Alipius joined him.
It was in Milan where Saint Augustine came under the influence of Saint Ambrose the bishop; he began to go to his sermons, not to profit but to gratify his curiosity and to enjoy the eloquence. Eventually, he found the sermons of St Ambrose to be more meaningful than his adopted heresie. He began to read the New Testament, especially the writings of Saint Paul. In the same time, the mother of his son went back to Africa leaving the child behind.
Saint Augustine's spiritual, moral and intellectual struggle went on. He was convinced of the truth of Christianity, but his will was weaker than the worldly temptations that surrounded him. Thus he delayed his return to Christ for many months. "Soon,” St Augustine would say to himself “in a little while, I shall make up my mind, but not right now". In his half desires of conversion he was accustomed to beg of God the grace of chastity, but in some measure afraid of being heard too soon. He realized that his problem was a moral one. The Divine truth for which he was seeking would never be his unless he first overcame his weakness.
Soon after, Pon-tit-ian, an African, came to visit Saint Augustine and his friend Alipius. He told them about two men who had been suddenly turned to the service of God by reading about the life of Saint Anthony. His words had a powerful influence on the mind of Saint Augustine.
"What are we doing,” Augustine asked of Alipius “to let the unlearned seize Heaven by force, whilst we with all our knowledge remain behind, cowardly and heartless, wallowing in our sins? Because they have outstripped us and gone before, are we ashamed to follow them? is it not more shameful to not follow?"
He rushed to the garden, with tears in his eyes, threw himself on the grass under a fig tree and reproached himself bitterly crying out:
"O Lord, how long? Will it be tomorrow? Why not now? Why not put an end to shame this very hour?"
As he spoke these words he heard a child's voice singing "Tolle lege! Tolle lege!" (which translates, Take up and read! Take up and read!). He remembered that Saint Anthony was converted from the world by hearing a single verse. He took up Saint Paul's epistles and read the first chapter that met his eyes: "Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.." (Romans 13:13-14)
When he told Alipius what he had experienced, he took the book and read, he found the next words to be: 14:1 Receive one who is weak in the faith," and applied it to himself and joined his friend in his resolution.
This high point in the conversion of Saint Augustine took place in September of 386, when he was 32 years old. He, his son Adeodatus and Alipius were baptized by Saint Ambrose on Easter the following year in the presence of mother, Saint Monica. Knowing her prayers had been answered, she gave up her spirit shortly thereafter.
Saint Augustine prayed:
"Too late, have I loved Thee, O Beauty so ancient and so new, too late have I loved Thee! Thou wast with me, and I was not with Thee; I was abroad, running after those beauties which Thou hast made; those things which could have no being but in Thee kept me away from Thee. Thou hast called, Thou hast cried out, and hast pierced my deafness. Thou hast enlightened, Thou hast shone forth, and my blindness is dispelled. I have tasted Thee, and am hungry of Thee. Thou hast touched me, and I am afire with the desire of thy embraces."
From that time, Saint Augustine went back to Tagaste, his native city, where he lived for three years with his friends and shared a life of prayer, study and poverty. All things were in common and distributed according to everyone's needs. In 391 they ordained him as an assistant to Valerius, Bishop of Hippo, and he had to move to that city.
He established a monastery in his house, living with Saints Alipius, Evodius and Possidius and others according to the rule of the holy Apostles. St Valerius who had a speach impediment appointed Saint Augustine to preach in his presence and he has not interrupted the course of his sermons until his death (nearly 400 sermons).
He eventually succeeded St Valerius as the Bishop of Hippo and founded a community of religious women and his sister became the first "abbes.
He used the revenues of his church in relieving the poor and in redeeming the captives. Like another Moses or Saint Paul, he said to his people: "I do not want to be saved without you. What shall I desire? What shall I say? Why am I a bishop? Why am I in the world? Only to live in Jesus Christ: but to live in Him with you. This is my passion, my honor, my glory, my joy and my riches."
Through his 35 years as a bishop of Hippo, Saint Augustine had to defend the faith against many heresies. He opposed the Donatists, the Pelagians, and the Alarians.
Saint Augustine calmly resigned his spirit into the hands of God on August 28, 430, after having lived 76 years and spent almost 40 of them in the labors of the ministry. Among his greatest work is the 15 volume "On the City of God" which took him 30 years to write, and his "Confessions".
Lessons from this story
The life and conversion of St Augustine is an example of how the prayers of one can save another, as well as a lesson to us that God is never done with us - unto our dying breathe is gates of heaven open to those who call. But what can we take from this story and apply to our daily life? Perhaps it is this, and I paraphrase St Matthew the Poor from his book “Orthodox Prayer Life”; we do not know at what stage God is working with others. Perhaps this person is on their way up and will encounter a great fall, while others have fallen and God is picking them back up. We judge by our one dimensional perception of others, without seeing the multiple dimensional support God has for all. Never give up on praying for others, but equally, never give up being honest with yourself and judging your own actions so that you may learn and grow more in Christ.
Prayer
Lord, help us to pray for others that they may taste the sweet joy of Your presence in their life and forgive us of our many faults that we may know them, learn from them and be stronger in You. May the prayers and supplications of Saint Augustine be with us all. Amen.