St. Abanoub – St. Mary & St. Joseph Coptic Orthodox Church

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.' "
(Matthew 19:14)

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"
(Daniel 6:22)

When Saint Abanoub exited the pit of snakes, one of the snakes managed to get out and coil itself around the ruler's neck. The ruler asked Saint Abanoub to pray to Jesus Christ on his behalf so that he might be saved. Saint Abanoub did just that, and the ruler was saved. Many people believed that day, yet the ruler's heart was still not softened. Heeding his advisors, the ruler ordered Saint Abanoub to be beheaded, allowing the Saint to gain the Crown of Martyrdom.

His Burial

Saint Julius, another saint who was tasked with documenting the lives of various saints and martyrs and later became a martyr himself, took Saint Abanoub's body and buried it in Nehisa in Egypt, his hometown.

Learn more about St. Julius here

The Feast

The church celebrates the commemoration of the martyrdom of Saint Abanoub on July 31st - the 24th day of the Coptic month of Epep.

Saint Abanoub

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.

Arrival at Samanoud

Atrib

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.

His Burial

Saint Julius, another saint who was tasked with documenting the lives of various saints and martyrs and later became a martyr himself, took Saint Abanoub's body and buried it in Nehisa in Egypt, his hometown.

Learn more about St. Julius here

The Feast

The church celebrates the commemoration of the martyrdom of Saint Abanoub on July 31st - the 24th day of the Coptic month of Epep.

References

Synaxarium- Coptic Reader App

St. Takla. org

Names. org

Coptic Church. net

Journey to Egypt

Additional Resources

St. Mina Coptic Orthodox Church