St. Mina and St. Abanoub Coptic Orthodox Church

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." (II Timothy 4:7)

Loyalty to God means being true in word, faithful in deed, and free from betrayal. In Genesis, the first Holy Book of the Holy Bible, loyalty is given importance. "And you know that with all my might I have served your father" (Genesis 31:6).

St. Philopateer Mercurius

What were the qualities of loyalty to God that abounded in the martyrs? Love, tolerance, optimism, temperance, industry, faith, and righteousness. They saw life as too precious and too short to waste upon anything other than their love for God. They made each and every day count glorifying His Holy Name. The martyrs believed that life was brief. "For we will surely die and become like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again" (II Samuel 14:14).

Loyalty to God meant dedication, devotion, and undivided service. This can be found in the beloved story of the triumphant soldier and martyr "Abu Seifein". Abu Seifein did not wish away his every difficulty but instead met his opposition on the battlefield of both war and persecution. He mastered his difficulties and in doing so, his faith became stronger in conflict. "You have armed me with strength for battle" (II Samuel 22:40).

Abu Seifein was born "Philopateer" in 224 AD in the city of Eskentos in Cappadocia to pagan parents. One day while hunting, a wild beast attacked his father and grandfather. The beast devoured the grandfather before Philopateer's father's eyes. Upon witnessing this grueling sight, Philopateer's father fainted. While unconscious his father had a startling vision. He saw the brightest of lights and heard a peaceful voice saying, "I am your God who loves you. I know that you have a good heart and that you hate the pagan idols. I want you to know that your son Philopateer will become like a tree bearing good fruits, and because of him, I will bless you and your wife. Your son Philopateer will be My witness and will defy all prejudice in My Name."

Inspired by this vision the entire family including young Philopateer was baptized. The pagan prince of Cappadocia upon learning of their baptism ordered the Christian family to be arrested and thrown to the wild beasts. The Lord intervened and the wild animals did not harm them. Astonished the prince freed the family.