216- In a Farmer’s Uniform

 

St-Takla.org Image: A fat man, obese - happy man. صورة في موقع الأنبا تكلا: رجل بدين، طخين - إنسان فرح، سعيد.

The Arians (those who deny the divinity of Jesus Christ) falsely accused Pope Athanasius of Alexandria before the great emperor Constantine. The Pope became very upset and wanted to meet the emperor. He knew that the emperor was coming through a certain road so he put on a farmer's attire and pretended to work in a nearby farm. At the proper time, the Pope jumped in front of the emperor's chariot. The emperor was surprised and asked to know the identity of this man who risked his life by jumping in front of a moving chariot. The Pope answered and said, "I’m Athanasius and I want you to know the truth."

The emperor admired his bravery. He asked Athanasius to sit beside him in the chariot and listened to what he wanted to say.

→ English translation of the story here at St-Takla.org: في زي فلاح!

God Is Always Present

Short Stories (Stories for the Youth) Books by Father Tadros Yacoub Malaty

The Marvelous Staff