Joke of the Day 8/2

You never heard laughing around the Hebrews camp when Moses was in charge.

Think it was because they were always in-tents.

Featured Saint

Featured Saint 8/2

St Bisadi the bishop

Claim to fame: When Emperor Diocletian heard that Anba Bisadi and Anba “Ghellanicus” were confirming the Christians in the faith and hampering the worship of idols, he sent to bring them before him. Anba Bisadi asked the messenger to give him a chance for one night. He went to the church and called his people and celebrated the divine liturgy and administered to them the Holy Communion. He commanded them to be firm in their Orthodox Faith, then he bade them farewell and submitted himself to the Lord. He went with the messenger to Arianus, the Governor of Ansena, and when the latter saw his illumined face and his reverence, he had compassion upon him and said, “You are a man of great dignity and you should have pity upon yourself and obey the command of the Emperor.” Anba Bisadi answered and said, “It is impossible for me to replace the kingdom of heaven with this temporal life.” After a lengthy negotiation with him, the Governor ordered Anba Bisadi to be tortured and then thrown in a very hot water bath. God preserved him and raised him unharmed and without any pain. The Governor then ordered him beheaded. Thus, he received the crown of life in the kingdom of heaven.

Quote: But watch out for yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils, and you will be beaten in the synagogues. You will be brought before rulers and kings for My sake, for a testimony to them. And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations. But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. – Mark 13:9-11

Spiritual Message

Spiritual Message of the Day 7/1

January: St Joseph’s Month

Each year in January and after celebrating Nativity, many of the church readings include the role of St Joseph as the carer being the father for baby Jesus. St Joseph is a unique saint who is full of virtues and hence a strong intercessor. Some of his virtues are:

1. A man of faith – not only in believing the strange message from Archangel Gabriel but also in his faith in God’s support throughout Mary’s pregnancy and the remainder of his life 

2. A pure man – he dealt with this young attractive girl with all purity.

3. A man of great mercy –  he did not want to expose St Mary but rather chose to protect her.

4. A man of self-denial – he suffered a great deal to be always there for St Mary and the little baby.

5. A heavenly man – he encountered many angels and they directly conversed with him on many occasions.

6. A man of great obedience – in all what heaven directed him without questioning.

7. A true father – who is much respected and loved by Jesus. St Mary used this love to convince Jesus to return with them to Gallilee.

Do yourself a favour and invite St Joseph to be your patron saint throughout the month of January.

-Fr Jonathan Ishak