Our Venerable Father David of Thessalonica; Blessed Hieromartyr Andrii Ishchak, Priest; Blessed Hieromartyr Mykola Konrad, Priest, and the Blessed Martyr Volodymyr Pryjma, Cantor.
Romans 8:22-27; Matthew 10:23-31.
Read Matthew 10:23-31
During the Battle of Okinawa in World War II, Desmond Doss—a U.S. Army medic and devout Christian—refused to carry a weapon because of his faith. He was ridiculed, beaten, and pressured by his own unit, yet remained unwavering. His mission was clear: he would save lives, not take them.
Then came the night at Hacksaw Ridge. Amid relentless enemy fire, Doss’s unit was ordered to retreat. But he stayed behind—alone. Over and over, he ran into danger to rescue the wounded. Using a rope and pulley, he lowered 75 men down the cliff to safety. With every life he carried, he whispered, “Lord, help me get one more.”
What gave Doss this courage? Matthew 10:31 says, “So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Jesus spoke those words to encourage boldness in the face of persecution. Doss believed them. He knew no one—no matter how broken or wounded—was forgotten by God. That faith made him fearless.
President Truman later said, “He stood tall without a rifle. He was the bravest man I ever knew.” Doss proved that strength isn’t always found in weapons or power, but in trust—in walking through fire with conviction that God is near.
So, when shadows fall and fear creeps in, remember: we do not walk alone. Like Doss, we’re guided by the Father of lights, in whom there is no shadow or turning. Therefore, we need not fear the shadows of this world—for His light leads every step of the way.