Saint Abanoub
“But Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.' "
The Story In A Minute
A Child of Great Faith
Although Saint Abanoub was quick to rid himself of his worldly possessions, the name "Abanoub" is of Egyptian origin and actually means "King of Gold." Yet, the meaning of his name also reminds us of the purity of his heart.
Being an Egyptian saint, Saint Abanoub carries a special place in many Coptic hearts, both through his story and also through the miracles he continues to perform even to this day.
Early Life
Only twelve years old at the time of his martyrdom, Saint Abanoub teaches us about what it means to possess unwavering faith.
Born in Nehisa, a town in the Nile Delta in Lower Egypt, in the 4th century, Abanoub was the sole son to Christian parents who passed when he was quite young. Despite these challenges, Abanoub maintained his faith and continued to go to church.
One day, he went to church and heard a priest encouraging believers to have faith, despite the increasing amounts of persecution imposed by Roman emperor, Diocletian. This message touched Abanoub deeply, and after leaving the church, he distributed all his belongings to the poor. He then began his journey to Samanoud, a city located in Gharbia Governorate, Egypt.
Arrival at Samanoud
While on his journey to Samanoud, Archangel Michael appeared to him. This magnificent appearance brought Saint Abanoub to his knees. The Archangel lifted him back up and informed him that he would endure three days of suffering in Samanoud. There, and in many other places, he would teach others about Christ.
When he finally arrived in Samanoud, Abanoub went and proclaimed his faith to the Roman ruler, denouncing the ruler's idols. The furious ruler had Saint Abanoub severely whipped, beaten, and tortured. Nonetheless, Archangel Michael continued to heal him with every beating. Abanoub was then placed in jail, along with other Christians who were inspired by him and who also later became martyrs.
Atrib
The ruler then brought Saint Abanoub to Atrib in Lower Egypt, by boat, hanging him upside down from the boat's sail to punish him. The soldiers and ruler mocked and beat Saint Abanoub; however a miracle occurred and the soldiers were blinded and the ruler, paralyzed.
Hopeless and in pain, the soldiers and ruler asked Abanoub to pray to his God that they may be healed. They said that if they were cured, they would convert to Christianity.
Saint Abanoub replied and said that they would only be healed in Atrib so that everyone there should know that there is no other God but Christ. Once in Atrib, everyone found themselves healed and immediately confessed their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Yet, the governor of Atrib was consumed with fury and had them all martyred. The governor subjected Abanoub to various tortures, including lashings and burnings.
Miracles and Martyrdom
Despite St. Abanoub's sufferings, the Lord Jesus Christ continued to save and heal him, causing many onlookers to believe, become Christian, and even become martyrs for their faith.
When the ruler gave orders to cut off Saint Abanoub's hands and feet, an Angel of the Lord came down from Heaven to put them back in place and Saint Abanoub was healed! When he was placed in a pit of poisonous snakes, the snakes remained docile and did not harm him. This reminds us of the story of Daniel the prophet, who was not harmed when placed in the lion's den. This was evident as Daniel prayed:
"My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you"