Saint Abba Ephraim, the Syrian was a man from the city of Kawakebet, and his father was a priest of idols, who hated the worship of our Lord Jesus Christ. At that time, Abba Ephraim departed to Saint Abba Jacob, Bishop of Nisibis, who admonished, taught and baptized him with Christian baptism.
The Saint of Roman origin who was born from royalties Abba Cyrus (Kiros) was the son of a Christian king of “Rome” Abya (son of Yonani) by his wife Genaser (vars. Anaser, Menaser). Three years after his brother Tewodosyos succeeded their father, Kiros becomes a hermit.
The New Testament revelation of the Holy Trinity’s appearance to Abraham is the visit of the three guests of God to Abraham under the plains of Mamre.
The son of Nun, the disciple of chief of the Prophets Moses and author of the Old Testament book named after him, Joshua was from the tribe of Ephraim, born in Egypt. He was disciplined by Prophet Moses for he became obedient, humble, perfect and lowly before him due to which the spirit of Moses the prophet dwelt upon him and he prophesied in his days.
Saint Jude, the Apostle became a martyr on July 2 . He was the son of Joseph the carpenter and was one of the Seventy-two disciples. This Saint preached in many cities, including the island where he built a Church. He has also gone to the city of Edessa and healed Abgar, the King of Edessa, of his illness and baptized him.
Men have marveled at the spiritual fight of Abba Moses the Black for he seized the kingdom of heaven by force, even as the Holy Gospel said on Matthew (11, 12). He was strong in body and a mighty man in all his deeds. He ate, drank, killed, fornicated and no man could stand up before him. It is said he could eat a whole sheep and drink a skinful of wine at a sitting.
Many times some would say in amazement: Who can carry out these principles?! Is it really possible for one to turn the other cheek to the one who slapped him? (Matthew 5:39). Is it possible that one always ought to pray and not lose heart? (Luke 18:1) to pray without ceasing? (1 Thessolians 5:17) is it possible for one to give all he has to the poor? (Matthew 19:21) We see all these questions and many similar ones answered and presented in the lives of the Saints. The whole commandments and teachings of God may seem as being theoretical. But in the lives of the Saints, we see them carrying out the Lord’s commandments in their everyday lives.
This feast started by order and all the people of the districts (in Egypt) celebrated it in honor of the glorious Archangel Saint Michael to his honour above all the angels, to his greatness and the archangel performed many miracles….
The blessed and pure seer of the mysteries of heaven Lalibela (surnamed Gebre Meskel), King of Ethiopia died on June 19. The parents of this Saint having begotten him, they raised him with the trepidation of God. At the age of his adulthood, he arrived at man’s estate. His elder brother who was a king heard of his inheritance of the kingdom. He sits upon his throne, jealous. He then sent and called him. When Saint Lalibela came, stood up before him and contrived a matter against him. After that, he commanded his servants to beat him with very many stripes, from the third hour of the day to the ninth hour.
Saint Claudius, the martyr, was a kinsman of kings and a victor in battle. This Saint fought a good fight and received an honorable crown of martyrdom in the kingdom of the heavens before his death on June 18. He rejected the glory of this fleeting world and inherited the everlasting heavenly grace.