ST. МАМMАS TREATS WARRIORS WITH MILK OF WILD NANNY-GOATS

It happened in the IIIth century. Near to Caesarea in Cappadocia, on a mountain there lived St. Mammas.

He prayed for people round the clock, asking God for pagans to accept Christ’s words. He ate milk of wild nanny-goats, as well as made some cheese from it. Sometimes he would climb down the mountain and distributed his cheese among the poor.

The governor of that town abhorred Christians and pursued them severely. He sent warriors to find St. Mammas and bring him to the town. Warriors managed to find the saint’s hut on the mountain quickly.

- Come in, my children, and help yourself, - the elder greeted warriors tenderly. He offered them some cheese and milk.

Suddenly beasts began to enter the hut. Does and goats were first to come in; they were followed by hyenas and lions. Warriors got frightened.

- Don’t be afraid, they are my friends, - St. Mammas calmed them.

Warriors were surprised at such friendship; they felt sorry for the elder they were to bring to inevitable death. But if they hadn’t executed the order, the governor would have killed them. The elder seemed to have heard their thoughts:

- My children! I do not want you will suffer because of me. Bring me to the governor.

And warriors convoyed him to the town. All the way St. Mammas was accompanied with his biggest friend - a lion.

The governor of Caesarea tried to force the saint to renounce the Christ and start worshiping pagan deities. But the saint never betrayed God and accepted martyrdom.