Saints are human beings just like you and I, they have lived in tribulations, temptations, and have not boasted themselves over humans.

They lived in constant exposures to the same ware which all of us are experiencing today. Their might and victories have drawn out from the eternal source, the true God, our Lord Jesus Christ, and only through his grace and mercy they have been worthy of these excellent qualities…

They lived in the world, and the world has not lived in them, their love to God was greater than the world.

"They have lived the true test, their love for Christ." (Galatians 2:20). As St Isaak the Syrian hermit described their holy presence and said: "The news of the saints on the hearings of the lowliness and meekness, like fresh water for the thirsty, dry plant. Let it be written into your mind the will of God, within those saints, as the curable remedy for the ailing eye…keep their memories within you, remember them everyday.

Meditate on their deeds, to seek and learn from their wisdom…. Read their biography". Enjoy their company, the apostle told the faithfuls in his letter to the Hebrews: "remember your former leaders, who spoke God’s messages to you…" (Hebrews 13:17).

Sharing with them, and even copying their acts, learn how their dedications and faithfulness have elevated them to the angelic level, even after their departure from our world, "that you may have light and guidance to comprehend with them what is the breadth, and length, and hight and depth."

(Eph 3:8). Also learn from their silence, which speaks so loudly, that no one can mistaken their message. Read them aloud, ponder their meanings, and start walking the spiritual walk, of faith with them…like them.

Choose a new fellowship with them, as in the birds reverie in the song of Solomon asked, and the answer was:- "If you do not know, O fairest among women; follow in the tracks of the flock" (Song of Solomon 1:8).

These tracks of the flock are only those saints, martyrs, and the righteous people who pleased God from the beginning….

Saint Verena was brought up in the Theban region (luxor) in a noble Christian family, who handed her over to Bishop Sherimon, Bishop of Beni Sueif, who in his turn taught her and baptized her. Saint Verena joined Theban legion in its mission to Switzerland.

The Soldiers were allowed to accompany their relatives in order to look after them and take care of those wounded. When Saint Maurice and members of the legion were martyred, she led a lonely and hermit’s life. She used to fast and pray and God made several miracles by her hands.

This Saint was particularly concerned over the young girls and used to look after them spiritually and health wise, due to her experience as a nurse. As a result of her fame, the ruler arrested her and sent her to jail, where Saint Maurice appeared to her to console and strengthen her.

After her release from jail, she moved into several regions, and God made several miracles by her hands and many became believers beacause of her. Saint Verena was interested in serving the poor and used to offer them food and also serve the sick, especially those suffering leprosy. She used to wash their wounds and put ointments on them, not fearing contagion.

At the time of passing away, Virgin Mary appeared to her to console and strengthen her. The date of her death is 4th of the Coptic Month Toot.

On 22nd February 1994, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III consecrated Saint Maurrice and Saint Verena’s Church in the Building of the Bishopric of Public Services, Anba Roweiss, Cairo, Egypt.

In 1997, the Diocese of Los Angeles, Hawaii, and Southern California under His Grace Bishop Serapion established a new church under the name Saint Verena in Anaheim, California.

May her prayers be with us Amen.