Virtues to Live By

St. Frumentius, known as Abba Salama, trusted God with courage, like a child trusts a safety net. Around the early 300s, when his ship crashed, leaving him and Edesius enslaved in Aksum, he prayed with trust, and Christ turned slavery into a mission to share faith. As bishop in the mid-300s, he faced Arian opponents challenging his mission, but he sought God’s strength in prayer, supported by St. Athanasius. One tale says a sign of God’s presence, like a gentle breeze, comforted him during this trial. His trust kept Ethiopia’s faith alive.

This virtue was tested by storms and enemies, but Frumentius persevered, believing God’s plan guided him as a young survivor and dedicated bishop. For Ethiopian children, this trust began their faith; for Coptic children, it shows a missionary’s strength. One story says he guided King Ezana to trust God, leading to faith. His courage inspires children to embrace trust when life is challenging.

Abba Salama’s holy strength shines through his trust in God. It turned a shipwreck into a mission and challenges into victories. Children can pray when scared, inspired by Abba Salama’s trust, seeking God’s grace through his intercession. His legacy makes him a beloved saint, guiding Ethiopia’s faithful to Christ.