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THE COPTIC ORTHODOX PATRIARCHATE ST. GEORGE AND ST. RUEISS COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH SUNDAY SCHOOL PROGRAM
GRADE SIX
Revised Edition 2005
PREPARATION AND WRITING Father Rueiss Awad St. George and St. Rueiss Coptic Orthodox Church Toronto, Canada.
To Order Write To: St. George and St. Rueiss Coptic, Orthodox Church 141 Bond Avenue Toronto, Ontario, M3B 1M1 CANADA (416) 444-1092 or (416) 447-0108
Copyright © 2005 by St. George and St. Rueiss Coptic Orthodox Church All rights reserved No portion of this book may be reproduced or copied in any form without a written permission from St. George and St. Rueiss Coptic Orthodox Church, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
To my blessed two sons: Hegomain Fr. Marcous Elias Abdel Massih and Hegomain Fr. Tadros Yacoub Malaty.
Peace and love be with you.
Dr. Mahfouz has visited me and brought with him the suggested Sunday school curriculum for the land of immigration. I have studied with him the basic topics of the curriculum without getting into details. Although that I have pointed out some concerns on the doctrine and dogma curriculum, it is clear that the amount of work spent on preparing the curriculum is huge and worth thanking. Nonetheless, the Bible study part of the curriculum needs to be increased. God willing, I will also send you additional details on this curriculum.
May the Lord bless all the effort that our son Mahfouz has done in preparing the Sunday school curriculum, in collecting the relevant topics, and in performing the translation of subjects. May the Lord also bless all those who have joined him in preparing this project and those who revised the topics.
Let our goal be performing our best to try and arrive at perfection given what we have from abilities. Lastly, I would also suggest the addition of different recognized pictures according to our doctrine, dogma and history to the Sunday school curriculum.
May the Lord be with you. Be in peace.
Signed
Pope Shenouda III 22 August 1986 The feast of St. Mary
TABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTSINTRODUCTION TO THE SUNDAY SCHOOL PROGRAM INTRODUCTION TO THE SUNDAY SCHOOL PROGRAM “NO CHRISTIANITY WITHOUT A CROSS” PROPHECIES IN THE OLD TESTAMENT ABOUT THE LORD JESUS CHRIST (I) PROPHECIES IN THE OLD TESTAMENT ABOUT THE LORD JESUS CHRIST ( II ) PRACTICAL WAYS THAT LEAD TO LOVING GOD ST. GEORGE THE PRINCE OF MARTYRS POPE SHENOUDA III AND THE RANKS OF OUR CHURCH HOW DOES OUR CHURCH PREPARE FOR CHRISTMAS? “FOR WITH GOD NOTHING WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE” “THOU BLESSED MY NATURE IN THEE” MOVING OF THE MOUNTAIN OF AL- MOOKATAM LESSONS BENEFITED FROM EPIPHANY FORMALITIES IN THE SPRITIUAL PRACTICES PERSONALITIES FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT: PERSONALITIES FROM THE OLD TESTEMANT: THE JOY AND BLESSING OF JESUS IN THE LAZARUS SATURDAY AND PALM SUNDAY THE RITES OF THE COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH SAINT PETER IN THE EVENTS OF THE LORD’S RESSURECTION ASCENSION: THE ONE WHO ASCENDED IS THE
FIVE SYMBOLS FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE BIBLE (II)٭ MY COPTICE ORTHODOX CHURCH HAS TAUGHT ME (I) MY COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH HAS TAUGHT ME (II) KNOW THE MONASTERIES OF YOUR CHURCH (I) KNOW THE MONASTERIES OF YOUR CHURCH ( II ) IN MEMORY OF THE APOSTLES (II) IN MEMORY OF THE APOSTLES (III) IN MEMORY OF THE APOSTLES (IV) LOVE IN THE LIFE OF THE SAINTS ( I ) LOVE IN THE LIFE OF THE SAITNS (II) THE VIRGIN MARY AND THE LIFE OF THE QUIETNESS
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|
Maha Takla |
Mark Botros |
Patty Ibrahim |
|
Nermin Tawadros |
Peter Messiha |
Hani Khattas |
|
Jessica Gobran |
Margaret Bebawy |
Michael Aziz |
|
Elena Neagu |
Youstina Hanna |
Safwat Armanios |
|
Marian Barsoum |
Helen Hanna |
Maria Nasralla |
|
Angela Salama |
Margaret Massoud |
Martha Tawadrous |
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Mina Gindi |
Nancy Bishay |
Samih Kalilian |
|
Fady Dawood |
Nagat Yassa |
Emad Iskander |
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Lillian Ibrahim |
Christina Habib |
Paul Tadros |
|
Mariam Tawadrous |
Donna Hanna |
Dina Ayoub |
|
Joseph Bishay |
Dina George |
Timothy Gindi |
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Sameh Barsoum |
Marianna Nasralla |
Samy Messiha |
|
Sherin Ishak |
Angy Hinis |
Mariana Ramzy |
|
Michael Malak |
Monica Sourial |
Nivin Bishay |
|
Michael Kalilian |
Mira Henis |
Kamilia Beshara |
|
Viola Iskander |
Sarah Deif |
Marina Mouharib |
|
Hany Matta |
Peter Gobran |
Georgina Rizk |
|
Marline Ayoub |
Michael Abadir |
John Hanna |
|
Christina Salama |
George Hanna |
Irini Gad |
|
Steven Messiha |
Rasha Michael |
Mohib Tawfik |
|
Marilyn Yassa |
Mina Elkatib |
Nadir Deif |
|
Sandra Eleigizy |
Sherrine Fidal |
Hidra Bastawrous |
Fr. Rueiss Awad
TEACHER'S GUIDELINES:
HOW TO USE THIS PROGRAM?
1. The teacher should realize that each lesson has been prepared to cover a specific point; starting from the title of the lesson to the end of it.
2. The teacher should read all the materials referred to in the lesson (i.e. the Holy Bible as well as any articles attached to the lesson), and then proceed by emphasizing all the points.
3. The teacher should enlarge the picture ahead of each lesson and use it as a visual aid as he or she is teaching the lesson.
4. The teacher should discuss the practical applications as he or she proceeds with the lesson.
5. The teacher should summarize the main points of the lesson with the students and give prizes.
FEATURES OF THIS SUNDAY SCHOOL PROGRAM
A COMPREHENSIVE SUNDAY SCHOOL PROGRAM
1. This Sunday School program was the very first program to be written in the lands of immigration. This work was initiated in 1974, and the first version was published in 1986. We thank our heavenly Father, Who has given us the opportunity to extensively revise and improve it, in 2005.
2. In this version of the program, any repetition that was in the previous program, has been removed, all lessons were upgraded in both coverage and depth. Moreover, a whole new book, on contemporary issues, has been added.
3. The contemporary issues book covers subjects that are important for children and youth in today's world. These lessons are optional. For churches with regular youth group meetings, these issues would best be discussed during those meetings. On the other hand, for churches that do not hold regular youth group meetings, those issues could be discussed as part of the Sunday School program.
4. This version of the program also includes lessons, which form a basis for a missionary service, a service that should in the ideal situation be practiced by every member of our congregation. The objective is that each child, every youth, and in the long run each Coptic individual can behave and act in a way, which is an embodiment of the teaching and tradition of the Coptic Orthodox Church. In other words, our congregation would become role models in their communities, who attract people to our Lord Jesus Christ through their good practices: sincerity, commitment, hard work and dedication, tolerance, forgiveness, and all the other good qualities that differentiate a good practising Christian from those who merely have a Christian education.
5. In this Sunday School Program, we depended heavily on the writings of H.H. Pope Shenouda III as a reference for most of the presented material.
6. The lessons in this version of the program have already been tried in Sunday School classes, reviewed, improved and tried again. This ensures that the lessons are relevant and suit the level of the students.
7. In this version of the program, efforts were put forth to ensure that every aspect of the Christian life in the Coptic Orthodox Church is covered.
8. This Sunday School Program is not merely about giving specific education on Christianity to our children and youth but it is rather an attempt to deeply affect their feelings and spirituality. It is believed that such an approach will facilitate the practical application of the various aspects involved so that Christianity becomes a way of life for the individual, with deeply rooted Christian values, that are manifested as behaviour and attitude.
9. All copyrights of other Sunday School programs, and other writers, have been fully respected.
10. In this version, each lesson comes complete with pictures and songs that are suitable for the lesson.
11. This Sunday School program comes in various formats, for convenience. In addition to being available on this website for widespread use, it is also available, upon request, in hard copy format or on CD.
12. It is our strong belief that this Sunday School program will play a vital role in the spiritual upbringing of our children. May the Lord bless this Sunday School program and all other programs, for the growth of His Kingdom in us.
THE PREPARATION OF SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS
A. What is a Sunday School Lesson?
1. It is not a record of events that we convey to the students with the hopes of appearing to satisfy the required preparation process in front of other people. Neither is it a lecture that we deliver to our audience or student regardless of their interest in the matter.
2. However, it is, on one hand, a fruit of the live reaction between the servant and the lesson and, on the other hand, between the servant and the students. The Holy Spirit maturates this fruit and directs this service towards the salvation of the students and towards the glory of God.
For if the servant who teaches the people does not teach himself, the voice of the Lord rebukes him saying, " You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself ? " (Romans 2:21), and again in James 3: 1: "My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment."
Therefore, the servant should engage himself in the lesson through prayers, relevant spiritual readings, and practical application, so that when the servant speaks with his students from experience and true knowledge, he says, with St. John the Beloved, "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life-" (1 John 1:1)
If a servant is not aware of the spiritual level of his students, he may burden them with instructions and lessons which they cannot handle nor apply and this, in turn, may cause the students to go astray and lose their eternal life. Therefore, it is crucial for the servant to establish a healthy, trustworthy, and fruitful relationship with his students, as well as to share in their joys and cheers, and their sadness and fears, all towards Jesus Christ. This is what St. Paul refers to in his epistle to the Galatians when he says, "My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you..." (Galatians 4:19). This close relationship with the students allows the servant to choose the most appropriate lesson that applies to their needs.
Hence a Sunday School lesson is:
A live mixture between the personal lives of the servants and the students through the lesson; the Holy Spirit creates this mixture and allows it to result in the bearing of fruit.
B. The Requirements for Sunday School Lessons
1. Humility in prayer before God.
God said, "...for without Me you can do nothing." (John 15:5)
My beloved brethren, sit down in peace and tranquility with the Lord and talk to Him about your personal need for Him in your service. Ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit and pray saying, " Guide me dear God. What would you like my students and I to learn this week ? " Be obedient to His voice. It would be suitable to maintain a prayer time which equals that of the lesson.
2. Accurate knowledge of the meanings contained within the lesson.
This is achieved through:
a) Occupying yourself throughout the week with understanding the new lesson, beginning from the end of the previous lesson until the beginning of the new one. It is wise to use your free time, time before sleep, and time with fellow servants to increase and enhance your understanding of the lesson.
b) Resorting to spiritual and religious references and literature to help you develop the right understanding and concepts behind the lines.
c) Resorting to general educational references and literature to embody this understanding and these concepts, making them clear in the minds of your students.
3. Aids of presentation.
It is important that you transform your understanding of the lesson into a simple and clear presentation. It has been stated and proved that 85% of knowledge acquired is acquired through the sense of sight and visual learning as opposed to the 10% that is acquired through the sense of hearing. The rest of the knowledge acquired is done so through the other three senses.
In reality, the least effective way of transmitting knowledge to others is by merely talking; this has the weakest influence on the students. In contrast, the most effective way to teach is to use the "Learning by Doing" method, which requires enough time as well as sound experience.
What differentiate between the effectiveness of the two means of presentation are the tools used in the presentation. These tools aid the students in effectively understanding and retaining the purpose of the lesson by engaging both senses of sight and sound. These tools may include audio-visual devices such as pictures and movies, spiritual trips and outings, role playing during class, intellectually stimulating games, etc.
C. Recording the lesson.
It is recommended that the servant records the following during the preparation of the lesson:
- Date of the preparation of the lesson.
- Date of the delivery of the lesson.
- Title of the lesson.
- Purpose of the lesson.
- References.
- Preface.
- Lesson.
- Inference.
- Bible verse.
- Homework.
- Aids of presentation.
- Other points for memory.
- Songs.
- Personal reflections of the servant.
Purpose of the lesson:
It is necessary for the servant to clearly understand the purpose of the lesson at the beginning of his preparation. It is also necessary that the purpose of the lesson should agree with the maturity level of the students. For example, it is more appropriate for children to learn about God's love; on the other hand, learning about the power of God in their lives and in the lives of the saints is more appropriate subject matter for youth. As for young adults, learning about Christian virtues and spiritual practices is most appropriate.
Most importantly, the purpose of the lessons should agree with Coptic Orthodox Christian teachings, whether in specific occasions or in general.
References:
References could include:
a. Stories, examples, verses, etc. from the Holy Bible.
b. Spiritual books and literature.
c. General educational books and literature.
Recording the references is very useful for the servant because it helps the servant to refer back to them, if forgotten.
Preface:
The preface is the background of the lesson. It cultivates the thoughts of the students and directs their thoughts towards the lesson. This allows the lesson to be implanted in their minds and to, eventually, bear fruit.
It is important that the preface remain simple, short, and concise. The introduction could be in the form of focused questions, but should not be in the form of stories. Several stories in one lesson may deteriorate its effectiveness.
The Lesson:
The lesson could be divided into the following sections:
1. Introduction - it should be quick and concise and related to the preface. It should introduce the lesson smoothly without interrupting the chain of thoughts.
2. Body of the lesson - it contains the principle subject of the lesson, and follows these guidelines:
a. You must be accurate and careful when explaining theological concepts.
b. You must be careful when relating events and examples to elucidate the subject of the lesson, in order to properly guide the students' imagination without restricting it.
c. You must diligently expose the Coptic Orthodox doctrine in the lesson.
d. You should not use more than one story during the lesson and the story used should be relevant to the subject matter.
3. Focal Point - the point during the lesson at which the purpose of the lesson is clearly defined. (Examples: The Lord responds to the prayers of a needy person, or the angels come to give the saints their heavenly crowns and take them to heaven after many trials and persecutions.)
4. Conclusion - it should be, like the introduction, short and concise. It can summarize the purpose of the lesson, without introducing any new concepts.
Inferences:
Inference is a method used to determine how much the students have absorbed and retained from the lesson. It should be in the form of questions with the following guidelines:
a. They should clearly show the purpose of the lesson.
b. They should suit the maturity of the students.
c. They should be simple and direct.
d. They should link to each other.
e. They should not be `Yes' or `No' questions.
f. They should each have one correct answer.
Bible Verse:
The memorization of a Bible verse is an excellent way to help the students remember the purpose of the lesson. The chosen Bible verse should meet the following guidelines:
a. It should show the purpose of the lesson clearly.
b. It should be short which allows it to be easily memorized.
c. Children can easily memorize, as well as understand it.
Homework:
The height of your diligence in preparing the lesson is in choosing the proper and effective homework or application. The homework should have the following characteristics:
a. It should contain practical applications that apply to everyday life.
b. It should suit the maturity level of the students.
c. It should help in mastering the comprehension and retention of the lesson.
d. It should not include more than one instruction, in order to simplify the application of the lesson.
Introduction
Teaching Grade 6 (Age 11 to 12)
1) Children at this age have molded into a certain shape, into certain patterns of behavior that were superimposed on their natural character. They have been exposed for years to the influence of their family background, their parents, brothers and sister and relatives. The cultural and ethical standards of the family have influenced their attitudes, made them different form each other. Whatever their special situation within the family did to affect their personality — jealously, rejection, possessiveness, competitiveness, etc. — these have left deep traces. They are less spontaneous and more self-conscious than at an earlier age.
Sunday school teachers will find children less open at this age than at earlier ages.
2) Sunday School teachers have another difficulty in trying to relate to the students’ homes. As Sunday School instruction progresses, it often happens that the religious ideas conveyed there are not in agreement with the concepts of the parents. Thus the teacher has to show great understanding and tact when dealing in class with a child’s statement, “Yes, but Daddy says that...” or “Mother says that the Church teaches….” The teacher must always try to see the element of truth in whatever beliefs are held at home: “Yes, this is very interesting. I think the reason for this is that...” He or she can then add and expand the ideas he or she wants to convey.
3) Relations between boys and girls are very self-conscious. They are very definitely two different groups — usually critical of each other and slightly inimical toward each other.
4) The search for meaning is now at the start of a new intensive phase, for the onset of clearer thought creates problems in the child’s religious ideas. Childish concepts are clung to, but the doubts and confusions are already appearing. At previous stages the child happily kept together unrelated and often contradictory ideas, but now he or she is becoming aware of the need to relate and reconcile these apparent contradictions.
We require an intensive effort in teaching religion at this stage to help him or her grown into a “one-world” view of life, rather than a dualistic system, which separates religion from the rest of life.
5) The teacher has to have a real theological maturity to be able to put down things clearly, simply and briefly.
6) Another type of thinking that one frequently meets at this age is a conscious separation of knowledge into two different parts - one that I learn at school, read about in books, or hear about on TV, and the other that is taught in Church and in Sunday School. The task of the Sunday School teacher in this period is to help them in this process. It has to be relevant to their experience of life, to their interests of curiosity, to the secular knowledge they are acquiring at school, to the human relations they are developing. In other words, the Christian doctrine taught must become part of their own thinking and their knowledge of life as a total experience.
7) The children’s knowledge of the Bible, especially of the New Testament, is very uneven. There are a few stories that they have heard over and over again, and this gives them a false sense of “knowing” the Bible. On the other hand, their very limited knowledge of the scriptures, both in facts and in meaning, is quite clear. Not even the Sermon on the Mount has reached their attention in full, and they have no idea of the meaning of the Old Testament, except for a few stories. This age is a good time to train the children in the use of the Bible and especially the New Testament as a resource book. Learning to know which parts of the Bible are used during the church services they attend, and how to find the appropriate readings, increases their familiarity with the scriptures.
For the success
of this Sunday
School Program
the teacher should
refer to the
HOLY BIBLE
in his/her preparation
of the lessons and in
teaching the children
in the class
SEPTEMBER
FIRST SUNDAY
CHRISTIAN CHARACTERS ( I )
“HELPING THE NEEDY”
Please read Matthew 25:31 – 46, the attached material entitled “Christian Behavior”, and give the lesson with emphasis on the points below.
PURPOSE OF LESSON:
This is Lesson I in a series of two lessons about Christian characters. It is a golden opportunity for us to be able to help the needy.
MEMORY VERSE:
“For I was hungry and you gave Me food.” (Matthew 25:35)
PLEASE EMPHASIZE:
U When we read Matthew Chapter 5, we find that the sermon on the mountain indicates that in order to gain eternal life, one has to be humble. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”. This sometimes appears to be difficult. In the lesson at hand, which is taken from Matthew Chapter 25, we learn that there is something that maybe relatively easy that will help us gain eternal life. If we helped the needy, it is as if we helped Jesus himself. And He is able to pay us back as He said in Matthew 5:7 “Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy”. He will give us a share in eternal life. “Come you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom... in as much as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to Me” Matthew 25:34-40.
ò What kind of help would the needy require?
U The needy may require materialistic things, clothes, food... etc, to meet the necessities of life.
U The needy may require spiritual guidance to cope with the temptation of this world.
U We do not have to wait until a needy asks us to help. We must take the initiative to help.
U We must give to the needy with complete happiness because the Bible says, “For God loves a cheerful giver”. Remember that the money that we have is granted to us from God, therefore we must give part of it back to our poor brothers and sisters in Christ.
òIs there anyone in need outside our homeland Egypt?
U Yes there is. We must help them. Also we can help the needy in Egypt and there are so many of them.
U In return for helping the needy the Lord will give us joy here on earth and build for us a treasure in heaven.
WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THIS LESSON?
(1) Remember Saint Anba Abraam the Bishop of Fayoum and Geza who loved the poor people. He used to sit with them, teach them, and eat with them. Please tell his story in more detail.
(2) We have to regularly practice giving money to the needy from now. Even from the small allowance that our parents give us.
(3) Helping the needy is an expression of love. When we love we give.
Songs
ST. ABRAAM
Please stay next to me O St Abraam
You bring me close to my Lord all the time,
And to Jesus I will give
All my love, all my heart
You are in my heart St Abraam
From your childhood you always liked to pray,
And from the Lord you asked night and day,
“A clean heart in my create”
And “Have mercy” you would say,
You’re always in my heart St Abraam.
You loved God’s word and read it all the time,
You knew that the Bible guides to heaven
Read it all in forty days
And kept reading it again
You are always in my hearty St Abraam.
A saint of the twentieth century
Loving the poor, the orphans and the hungry,
When they came to you in need
They left you feeling happy
Recitation Curriculum:
Please look at the recitation curriculum at the end of this book.
CHRISTIAN BEHAVIOUR
By H.H. Pope Shenouda III
Some think that life with God means just faith or love or spirit without caring much about virtues or behaviour.
But the Bible is concerned with the Christian behaviour, especially about condemnation, as it says, "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the spirit. " (Rom 8:1). Then one's behaviour in the spirit is what protects one from condemnation.
This spiritual behaviour is considered as an evidence of being firm in God. The Apostle, expects a very high level by saying, "He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. " (I Jn 2:6)
Therefore, we are also expected to act according to the spirit, by taking the behaviour of the Lord Jesus as an example to follow...
The importance of Christian behaviour is shown in God's saying, "You will know them by their fruits. " (Mt 7:16)
This behaviour has two sides: positive and negative. Each side has its own danger. Therefore, St. John, the Apostle says, "But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the Blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanses us from all sin. " (I Jn 1:7). This shows the positive side.
As for the negative side, the Apostle says, "If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practise the truth. " (I Jn 1:6)
Therefore, our Christian behaviour is an evidence of our fellowship with God. It is also an evidence of our fellowship with the Church...
Accordingly, the Church sets apart anyone who does not behave properly, as in St Paul's letter to the Corinthians, "Put away from yourselves that wicked person. " (I Cor 5:13)
St John also says, "But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who leads a disorderly life and not according to the tradition which he received from us. " (2 Thess 3:6)
If behaviour is considered of no significance and only faith is important, why then did the Apostle consider it the top of joy, when he said, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. " (3 Jn 4)
We are believers, but we have to, "... lead a life worthy of the calling with which you were called.. " (Eph 4:1). We also have to bear fruit, "Therefore, every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire..." (Mt 3:10)
For the success
of this Sunday
School Program
the teacher should
refer to the
HOLY BIBLE
in his/her preparation
of the lessons and in
teaching the students
in the class
SEPTEMBER
SECOND SUNDAY
CHRISTIAN CHARACTERS ( II )
“FORGIVENESS”
Please read: Matthew 5:23, 24, Mark 11:25, 26, Ephesians 4:31, 32, Colossians 3:12, 13, the attached material entitled “Christian Behavior”, and give the lesson with emphasis on the points below.
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
This is Lesson II in a series of two lessons about Christian characters. We must be in peace with people even if they tried to hurt us. If we forgive people for what they did bad to us, God will forgive us as well.
MEMORY VERSE:
“Leave your gift there before the altar and o your way; first be reconciled to your brother.” (Matthew 5:24)
PLEASE EMPHASIZE:
U As Christians we must love everyone. GOD IS LOVE. So, as sons and daughters of God, we must also love.
U Forgiveness is not easy, especially when other people have tried to hurt us. It is difficult only if we depend on ourselves to do it. We must pray to God to help us love other people and let us forget about how they hurt us. The Holy Spirit inside us will help us to achieve this level of love, i.e. forgiveness of people who hurt us.
U If we are attending the service in the church, we must not take communion if we are not in peace with others. We must forgive and forget.
U There are several examples in the Holy Bible of forgiveness. The most important example is of Jesus Himself when he forgave those who have crucified him by saying, “My Father, forgive them.” Please mention this in details.
U David also had a forgiving heart towards king Saul. He used to play music for him when he had an evil spirit. Saul wanted to kill David. David had chances to kill Saul but he did not. David had a heart full of love. Please mention this in details.
U St. Stephen prayed for the forgiveness of the people who were stoning him saying “Lord, do not charge them with this sin” Acts 7:60. Please mention this in more details.
U When we pray the Lord’s prayer, we say,” Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.” Do we do this? We can only love our enemies by the help of God. We must pray to God and ask Him to bless us with enough strength to love and forgive all people. For, God forgave us our sins, only when we forgive the sins of others. Please read Luke 7:40-48.
U Can we forgive the friends at school when they say bad things about us? Yes we can with the help of God. The least we must do is not answer the bad words with bad words, because we are sons and daughters of God.
U Sometimes, we think that other people are hurting us and the truth is they are not. So, before we say that we should forgive them we have to reconsider the matter. Maybe, we are the ones doing wrong.
WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM THIS LESSON?
(1) Let us pray for other people when they do something to hurt us. Pray to God to help us forgive them and also try to deal with them in a Christian manner that is filled with love.
(2) We must behave in a spiritual way. We have to be Christ-like. The Lord Christ forgave the people who tried to hurt Him. We must treat people gently, trust that nobody can actually hurt us and forgive those who actually try to hurt us.
Songs
SONS OF GOD
REFRAIN
Sons of God hear His holy word gather around the table of the Lord
Eat His body, drink His blood and we’ll sing a song of love
Alleluia , Alleluia Alleluia , Alleluia
Brothers, sisters, we are one and our life has just begun
In the spirit we are young we can live forever
Shout together to the Lord who has promised our reward
Happiness a hundred fold and we’ll live forever
Jesus gave a new command that we love our fellow man
Till we reach the promised land where we’ll live forever
If we want to live with Him we must also die with Him
Die to selfishness and sin and we’ll live forever
Make the world a unity make all men one family
Till we meet the trinity and we’ll live forever
With the church we celebrate Jesus coming we await
So we’ll make a holiday so we’ll live forever
Recitation Curriculum:
Please look at the recitation curriculum at the end of this book.
CHRISTIAN BEHAVIOUR
By H.H. Pope Shenouda III
Some think that life with God means just faith or love or spirit without caring much about virtues or behaviour.
But the Bible is concerned with the Christian behaviour, especially about condemnation, as it says, "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the spirit. " (Rom 8:1). Then one's behaviour in the spirit is what protects one from condemnation.
This spiritual behaviour is considered an evidence of being firm in God. The Apostle, expects a very high level by saying, "He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. " (I Jn 2:6)
Therefore, we are also expected to act according to the spirit, by taking the behaviour of the Lord Jesus as an example to follow...
The importance of Christian behaviour is shown in God's saying, "You will know them by their fruits. " (Mt 7:16)
This behaviour has two sides: positive and negative. Each side has its own danger. Therefore, St. John, the Apostle says, "But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the Blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanses us from all sin. " (I Jn 1:7). This shows the positive side.
As for the negative side, the Apostle says, "If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practise the truth. " (I Jn 1:6)
Therefore, our Christian behaviour is an evidence of our fellowship with God. It is also an evidence of our fellowship with the Church...
Accordingly, the Church sets apart anyone who does not behave properly, as in St Paul's letter to the Corinthians, "Put away from yourselves that wicked person. " (I Cor 5:13)
St John also says, "But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who leads a disorderly life and not according to the tradition which he received from us. " (2 Thess 3:6)
If behaviour is considered of no significance and only faith is important, why then did the Apostle consider it the top of joy, when he said, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. " (3 Jn 4)
We are believers, but we have to, "... lead a life worthy of the calling with which you were called.. " (Eph 4:1). We also have to bear fruit, "Therefore, every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire..." (Mt 3:10)
For the success
of this Sunday
School Program
the teacher should
refer to the
HOLY BIBLE
in his/her preparation
of the lessons and in
teaching the students
in the class
SEPTEMBER
THIRD SUNDAY
EL-NAYROUZ FEAST
“ST. MERCURIOUS ‘ABU SEFAIN’ CAN WE ADHERE TO OUR FAITH?”
Please read Revelation 7:9-17, the attached material taken from the Coptic Synaxarium entitled “The martyrdom of St. Mercurious”, and give the lesson with emphasis on the points below.
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
To show that the martyrs are the people who wanted to maintain their life with Christ regardless of the price. We should also stick to the Lord Christ no matter what happens.
MEMORY VERSE:
"… if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.” (Romans 8:17)
PLEASE EMPHASIZE:
U The Egyptian year is a very old year. The Egyptian Pharaohs made their calculations more than 5,000 years before Christ. They called its months with the names of their ancient Pharaohs.
U The Egyptian year was called “martyrs’ year” and the counting of it started during the reign of king Deklidianos who killed thousands and thousands of Christians. These people wanted to maintain their life with Christ even if it means to shed their blood. The difference between the Julian year and the Coptic year is 283 years (the year in which the reign of Deklidianos started).
U Martyrdom in Christianity goes back to the first century:
U Please mention briefly the martyrdom of the Archdeacon St. Stephen the first martyr as mentioned in Act 6: 9-15 and Acts 7: 54-60. He adhered to his faith and accepted to be stoned for the sake of Christ.
U Describe the story of St. Mercurious (Abu Sefain) as mentioned in the attached material. He is very well known in Egypt and there are many churches bearing his name.
U He was called Abu Sefain (which means the man with the two swords) because the Angel gave him a sword and he had another sword given to him in the army.
U His parents were Christians and he wanted to maintain the faith that he received from God through his parents and the church.
U Why do we eat red dates around the Nayrouz feast?
U Our beloved church would like to teach us using different methods. The church teaches us through the Holy Bible, the icons, the hymns, the incense, the candles, etc. The church teaches us through the food that we eat in certain occasions.
U In the Nayrouz feast our church teaches us to eat red dates. The colour red represents the blood of the martyrs and the white colour for the purity of the hearts of the martyrs; the solid pit inside to show that the martyrs had no fear in their hearts and the sweet taste of the dates for the beautiful life that they had, filled with joy and peace with Christ.
U Discuss the memory verse and ask students to give their explanations.
Our God is a loving God and He is also fair. People who forsake themselves to maintain their Christianity will be rewarded with a great joy in heaven. This is fair. Please read Revelation 7:13-14.
WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THIS LESSON?
U Our Ancestors have shed their blood to maintain the faith for us. We must hold on strong to the Christian faith that we received from God in the Bible, and from the lives of the Saints and the Martyrs of our church. To what extent should we stick to our faith, values and principles?
Songs
Hiteni evki ente
pi athloforos em-marteerus
Filopateer Merkorious
Epchoice ari ehmot
nan empi-ko evol
ente nenouvi
Recitation Curriculum:
Please look at the recitation curriculum at the end of this book.
The Martyrdom of St. Mercurious
Known as the Saint with the Two Swords
St. Mercurious , known as the Saint with the two swords (Abu-Saifain), was born in the city of Rome. His parents were Christians and they called him Philopateer (which means “Lover of the Father”). They reared him in a Christian manner. When he grew, he enlisted in the army during the days of Emperor Decius, the pagan. The Lord gave Philopateer the strength and the courage, for which he earned the satisfaction of his superiors. They called him Mercurious and he grew very close to the Emperor.
When the Berbers rose up against Rome, Decius went out to fight them, but when he saw how many they were, he became terrified. St. Mercurious assured him saying, “Do not be afraid, because God will destroy our enemies and will bring us victory.” When he left the Emperor, an angel appeared to him in the shape of a human being, dressed in white apparel. The angel gave him a sword saying," When you overcome your enemies, remember the Lord your God” ( That is why he is called “of the two swords”, “Abu-Saifain”, one is the military sword and the other is the sword of the divine power.)
When Emperor Decius conquered his enemies and Mercurious came back victorious, the angel appeared to him and reminded him of what he told him previously, that is to remember the Lord his God.
Decius, and his soldiers with him, wanted to offer up incense to his idols and St. Mercurious tarried behind. When they informed the Emperor of what had happened, he called St. Mercurious and expressed his amazement at his abandoning of his loyalty to him. The Emperor reprimanded him for refusing to come and offer incense to the idols. The Saint cast his girdle and his military attire down before the Emperor and said to him, “I do not worship anyone except my Lord and my God Jesus Christ.” The Emperor became angry and ordered him to be beaten with whips and stalks.
When the Emperor saw how the people of the city and the soldiers were attached to St. Mercurious, the Emperor feared that they might rebel. So instead, he bound him in iron fetters and sent him to Caesarea where they cut off his head. He thus completed his holy fight and received the crown of life in the kingdom of heaven.
His intercession be for us and Glory be to our God forever. Amen.
SEPTEMBER
FOURTH SUNDAY
ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST
“DO WE HAVE A MESSAGE FOR PEOPLE ABOUT
THE LORD JESUS?”
Please read John 1: 19-24, and give the lesson with emphasis on the points below
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
To study St. John the Baptist’s message of Jesus. Also, we like to discuss in more detail our missionary duties in the society that we live in.
MEMORY VERSE:
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1: 29)
PLEASE EMPHASIZE:
U On Tout 2, our church celebrates the Feast of St. John the Baptist's martyrdom.
U Our church considers St. John to be the greatest among all born from women (except for the Lord Jesus Christ).
U The main job that St. John the Baptist had was to declare that Jesus is the Messiah whom the whole world had been waiting for and the prophets talked about.
U St. John looked at the Lord Jesus and said, “Behold the Lamb of God”. This is a prophecy from St. John the Baptist that salvation will happen by the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus for us. The Lord Jesus is the Lamb of the New Testament. All the prophecies and all the offerings in the Old Testament had one main purpose, which was to introduce the people to the true offering of Jesus on the Cross.
U St. John the Baptist’s personality stands out between two covenants. He can be considered as the last prophet of the old covenant and can also be considered the first prophet of the new covenant.
U It is written in the Bible about St. John the Baptist “I send my angel in front of you”. St. John was sent in front of Jesus as a messenger to prepare the hearts of the people to receive Him as the only Savior.
U St. John the Baptist completed his job perfectly in a very short time (about 6 months). He told the world about Jesus “He (i.e. Jesus) must increase and I must decrease.”
U Do we have a message for the people about the Lord Jesus?
U As Christians we have a duty to tell people about our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, therefore we must not leave Christianity at home. How and what can we tell the people about the Lord Jesus? Please discuss this in the classroom with the students.
ò Some of the points to remember:
U We have to act as good Christians in love, and in righteous deeds according to the Holy Bible.
U We should not have to compete with what others do in the world, because we have our own principles to adhere to.
U When we are asked about our faith, we must declare it clearly. We believe in one, triune God. i.e. the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Three persons are in one. Just as we are made up of Soul, Mind, and Body and the three are in one.
U The Lord Jesus is God Incarnate who came and saved us from the slavery of Satan.
U We must try to convince our friends that true peace here on earth can be achieved through our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Also, our place in Heaven can only be achieved through our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THIS LESSON?
(1) We must have goals to achieve in our lives. As Christians we are supposed to be successful in our schools, in the society in which we live in, and most importantly we must not leave Christianity at home, but declare it through our behavior and our actions.
(2) We must also answer to anyone asking about our religion. We are Christians (which means we believe in the Savior the Lord Jesus Christ). We are Orthodox (which means we have the right worship or straight worship). We are Coptic (which means our church goes back to Egypt where St. Mark the Apostle preached Christianity).
Song
Hiten ni epresvia ente
pi sengenees en Emmanueel
Youannis epshiri en Zakharias
Recitation Curriculum:
Please look at the recitation curriculum at the end of this book.
SEPTEMBER
FIFTH SUNDAY
THE CROSS-DAY FEAST
“NO CHRISTIANITY WITHOUT A CROSS”
Please read the attached material entitled ‘The Configuration of the Cross’; and give the lesson with emphasis on the points below
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
To understand the great importance of the Holy Cross in our lives and to become familiar with the various configurations of the Cross and their meanings.
MEMORY VERSE:
“But we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God”
(1 Corinthians 1:23)
PLEASE EMPHASIZE:
U We cross ourselves:
U In our prayers the priest makes the sign of the Cross many times in the prayers of the Divine Liturgy as well as in the prayers of other Holy Sacraments.
U The Lord Christ emphasized the importance of the Cross very much
U Since the beginning of His service and in His teachings.
U Before He was crucified.
U Matthew 10: 38 “And he who does not take his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me.”
U Matthew 16:24 “If any man would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.”
U The Lord Jesus concentrated on mentioning the Cross because the Lord Jesus’ crucifixion was the source of salvation. Everything that Christians are enjoying in the New Testament: salvation and forgiveness, was completed on the Cross. On the Cross, the Lord Jesus paid the price of our salvation and died for us so that we may live.
U The Cross is the subject of Glory:
U Galatians 6:14 “But far be it from me to glory, except in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”
U The Cross is the subject of preaching of the Apostles:
† 1Corinthians 1:23 "But we preach Christ crucified a stumbling block to Jews and folly to gentiles."
† St. Peter said to the Jews “let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly that God has made Him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”
U The Cross is the subject of strength:
U 1Corinthians 1:18 "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God".
U St. Paul mentioned here that “The word of the Cross” is the
“Power of God”. Therefore, when we mention the word of the Cross or when we cross ourselves, we are filled with strength.
U The devil is fearful of the sign of the Cross:
U Every time we cross ourselves the devil becomes very afraid because he remembers that at the Cross, Jesus defeated him and gave salvation to His people.
U The devil then escapes from the sign of the cross.
UThe Cross-Day Feast in the Coptic Church:
The Coptic Church celebrates two feasts in honor of the Holy Cross of Christ:
U The first: on the 16th of Tout (about 28th Sept.) in commemoration of the consecration of the Church of the Holy Cross, which is built by empress Helana the mother of King Constantine.
U The second: on 10th of Baramhaat (about 19th of March) in commemoration of the discovery of the Holy Cross by the same empress.
U Let us discuss the various configurations of the Cross using the attached material.
WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THIS LESSON?
(1) We have to utilize the power of the Cross in our Spiritual Life by crossing ourselves many times during the day. We also have to bear any burden of sickness or persecutions or troubles in our lives patiently and without complaining.
(2) We can help someone to carry his or her own Cross. If someone, for example, is so sick or so sad or in trouble we can help provide a lot of help and carry the Cross with him or her.
Songs
SHERE PI ESTAVROS
“But God forbid that I should
glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Gal 6:14)
Christ has come to us from heaven to save us
With His blood He redeemed us Shere pi estavros
Because Jesus loves us He came and lived with us
He died for us Shere pi estavros
He was crucified and obtained victory
With wondrous authority Shere pi estavros
The cross is my life my strength and my hope
The starting of my prayer Shere pi estavros
A lot of the saints with the sign of the cross
Conquered the devils Shere pi estavros
They moved many mountains and the dead arose
Exactly as He said Shere pi estavros
And I am their son proud of the cross
I will follow them Shere pi estavros
Recitation Curriculum:
Please look at the recitation curriculum at the end of this book.
THE CONFIGURATION OF THE CROSS
There are more than 400 configurations for the cross. We will mention here some of the well-known configurations.
U Cross as letter T:
U This is the first letter of the Greek word Theos, which means God. When Moses raised the bronze serpent for the Jews to win the war it was like a letter T. It is also called the cross of St. Anthony because the monks use it as a head to their sticks that they lean against in their long prayers.
U The Russian Cross
U It has 3 horizontal arms.
U The upper one for the statement that was written above the Lord Jesus’ head when He was crucified.
U The middle one for His hands.
U The lowest one is because the Russians believe that the two feet of the Lord Jesus were nailed apart and not together at the top of each other.
U The Jerusalem Cross:
U It contains 4 crosses between the 4 arms of the Cross.
U It signifies the four corners of the whole world where Christianity is preached.
U St. Philips’ Cross
U St. Philip was crucified on the Cross horizontally.
U The Roman Cross:
U It has 3 horizontal arms.
U The upper arms are for the two thieves who were crucified beside the Lord Jesus.
U St. Peter’s Cross
U St. Peter refused to be crucified as his savior. He was crucified upside down.
U The Malties’ Cross:
U It is called the cross of the 8 pointed angles or 8 heads.
U These 8 heads refer to the 8 beatitudes mentioned in the Gospel of St. Matthew 5:3-10.
OCTOBER
FIRST SUNDAY
ESTHER ( I )
FROM THE AHASUERUS’ ROYAL FEAST TO
ETHER’S BANQUET
“THE PARTIES OF THE WORLD LEAD TO SADNESS”
Please read Esther Chapter 1 to the end of Chapter 4, (summarize the main events in story fashion to the students),the attached material entitled, “Joy …and … Joy”, and give the lesson with emphasis on the points below.
.
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
This is lesson #1 in a series of two lessons about the book of Esther. In this lesson, we learn about the rigidity of some of the kings of this world when compared with the flexibility and purity of the people of God.
MEMORY VERSE:
“When the heart of the king was merry with wine he asked to bring the queen to show the people and princess her beauty” (Esther 1:10-11)
PLEASE EMPHASIZE:
U Please ask the students to read the four chapters at home and prepare their questions.
U The book of Esther was written by Ezra in the year 465 BC. This book is known as the book of feasts. In this book there are three feasts: one by King Ahasuerus which represents the feast of the world which ends with sadness, the feast of Esther which ends up in peace, and declares the victory of God’s people, and the feast of Purim which represents the joy of the resurrection.
U We should take the book of Esther from the point of view of what we can learn from it in our life from the events of the 3 feasts.
U Ahasuerus’ royal feasts:
U He became drunk after 7 days of feasting. He then asked a strange question, which was to have, the Queen show her beauty to the public. This led Queen Vashti to lose her position and Esther took over as queen.
U We must not accept the parties given by the world. Why? These parties provide us with temporary happiness that ends always in sadness. Remember what had happened to king Herod in the days of our Lord Jesus Christ when he killed St. John the Baptist after his birthday party. Please read Matthew 14:3-11.
U The behaviour of King Ahasuerus shows the rigidity of the world which leads to death and destruction.
U Esther the orphan:
U This poor girl attracted the attention of the King and he chose her as the Queen. As we will see later this was done in God’s plan to save his people.
U Comparison between Haman and Mordecai:
U Haman represents the devil. The devil wants to destroy God’s people. Mordecai is a man of God. He only worships God and fears him. He refused to kneel down to Haman.
U Mordecai and the Jews:
U It appeared as if Haman was successful in his plan to destroy God’s people and they mourned. However this could not have happened. God has a plan. In the next lesson we will see the plan of salvation.
WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THIS LESSON?
1. True Christians do not attend the parties of the world, which contain evil actions. These parties always end in sinful actions which have long-term negative consequences.
2. We must be flexible. We must not stick to a certain opinion and be rigid about it. We must listen, pray, think and then act.
3. As Mordecai did not yield under the pressure of Haman, we must not yield under peer pressure. It is much better for us to adhere to worshipping God as our church is teaching us.
Songs
HOW NICE TO GATHER
“For where two or three
are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” (Mat
18:20)
How nice it is to gather today in love as our God did say
When two of you gather in My name know I am there just the same
REFRAIN
Oh Lord come now and hear us we call on You to be with us
Give us the peace that comes from within and keep us from the harm of sin
The Lord is the One that makes us sure in all the ways that we endure
And a friend when no one is there who keeps our hearts with loving care
The Lord is always by our side and in His care we’re satisfied
He hears us when we call His name and by our side He will remain
Recitation Curriculum:
Please look at the recitation curriculum at the end of this book.
JOY... AND JOY
By H.H. Pope Shenouda III
There is a trivial joy for perishable, worldly affairs and pleasures...
Like Solomon's joy with what
he toiled under the sun (Eccles 1:3) and Jonah's joy with the plant more
than with the Salvation of Nineveh. The same kind of joy is
that of the elder son, when he said to his father, "You never gave me a
young goat that I might make merry with my friends. " (Lk. 15:29)
One type of the false joy is the joy of some people over their talents as the disciples were joyful in casting evil spirits, so the Lord said to them, "Do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice rather because your names are written in heaven.'" -(Lk. 10:20)
The worst type of joy is
being joyful over other's suffering. About this the Apostle said, "Love
does not rejoice in iniquity, " (1 Cor. 13:6) as those who rejoice
in people's loss. Solomon says, "Do not rejoice when your enemy falls. " (Prov.
24:17) This wicked joy is called gloating.As for the holy joy, it is from
the fruits of the spirit. (Gal. 5:23)
The disciples rejoiced when
they saw the Lord, and the Magi when they saw the star and the righteous
rejoiced over the fruits of their holy toil, "Those who
sow in tears, reap in joy." (Ps. 126:5).The Bible has explained to us the
joy of your salvation and the joy of the shepherds when the Angel said to
them, "Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy... for there is born
to you this day in the city of
David a Saviour... ". The
Psalmist says about the joy of salvation,
"Restore to me the joy of your salvation. " (P s. 51:12). And the Father
said, "It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your
brother was dead and is alive again. (Lk. 15:32).
The joy of the repentance of
a sinner is in heaven and earth! When the Good Shepherd found the lost
sheep, "He lays it on his shoulders rejoicing, " (Lk. 15:5). He also says,
"..there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.. " (Lk.
15:7). The widow also rejoiced when she found her lost coin and called all
her
neighbours to rejoice with her.We also rejoice over all means of grace...
"I rejoiced over your
testimonies".. "I was glad when they said to me, `Let us go to the house
of the Lord.' " (Ps. 122:1), "There is a river whose streams shall make
glad the city of God.-' (Ps. 46:4)
The righteous rejoice over temptations and reproach: (James 1)
"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials" so I rejoice over tribulations.The greatest joy is that of the Kingdom:
"Enter into the joy of your Lord. " (Mt 25:21). This is the real joy, where we rejoice in the Lord, and in his company. Although we have not reached His Kingdom yet, we rejoice while waiting in hope. As the Apostle says, "Rejoice in hope. " (Rom. 12:12)
OCTOBER
SECOND SUNDAY
ESTHER (II)
FROM ESTHER’S BANQUET TO THE FEAST OF PURIM
Please read the attached article entitled, “Methods of Solving Problems”. Esther Chapter 5 to the end of Chapter 10 (and summarize the main events in story fashion to the students), and give the lesson with emphasis on the points below.
PUPORSE OF THE LESSON:
This is Lesson 2 in a series of 2 lessons to study the book of Esther. In this lesson we will learn about the defeat of Satan in front of God and His people. We also learn how to handle problems and arrive at good solutions like Esther did.
MEMORY VERSE:
“A new covenant, He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.”
Hebrews 8:13
PLEAE EMPHASIZE:
U Esther invites the king and Haman to a modest banquet:
U Esther fasted with her people. Esther’s banquet represents the feast of the Cross, through which God’s people gained salvation and the devil was defeated.
U Esther prepared herself for the meeting with the king not by decorating herself but by fasting and prayers. As we mention in the Divine Liturgy, fasting and prayers defeat the devil.
U Haman prepared the cross:
U Haman prepared the cross (as the evil people did with regards to the Lord Jesus). Haman was happy because he thought he was going to kill Mordecai. He ended up being defeated. This is exactly what happened when the devil thought he would achieve everything by killing the Lord Jesus on the Cross.
U God glorified Mordecai:
U The king was reminded at the right time of what Mordecai did to save his life. The king rewarded Mordecai greatly.
U The defeat of Haman (the Devil):
U Haman was killed instead of Mordecai and God’s people.
U The Feast of Purim can be summarized as follows:
U The Jews fast in the 13th day of the month of Azar. If it was a Sabbath, they fast on the 11th.
U In the evening, as the new day starts according to the Jewish customs, the Jews get together and read the book of Esther.
U As they mention the name of Haman, they shout and say let his name be destroyed.
U In the next day, they adjourn happily and they give alms to the poor.
WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THIS LESSON?
1. God works in our lives in mysterious ways to protect us from the devil as He did with Esther and the Jews. Our role is to walk in God’s path and His Commandments. He will do everything for our benefit, He is our Father and we are His children. We must be committed to Him.
2. Haman wanted to kill Mordecai. Haman got killed himself. This happens in life. If we have bad intentions towards others and want to hurt them, we end up getting hurt some way or another.
3. It is very amazing how Esther guided by God, was able to solve this huge problem caused by Haman. Problems can be solved not by confrontation or giving orders to people or fleeing from the problem. Problems can be solved by praying, thinking calmly, and through fasting and prayers.
Songs
O thou Whose presence delighteth my soul, and Whom in my distress I call
My comfort by day, and by night my refuge my stronghold, whenever I fall
Shepherd of my soul, I beg Thee to tell where Thou makest Thy sheep to rest
For why should I roam in the valley of tears and wander as one who is lost?
I charge you to tell me, daughters of Zion have ye seen the One I adore?
I seek Him in vain in the night of my soul but, lo, I can find Him no more.
Shepherd of my soul, I shall follow Thee Oh how sweet Thy voice is to me!
So guide me and lead me and show me the way my only desire is Thee.
I am my Beloved’s, and He is mine too He calleth me sister and spouse
Oh how do I long for the day we shall wed In heaven, in his Father’s house.
Recitation Curriculum:
Please look at the recitation curriculum at the end of this book.
By H.H. Pope Shenouda III
Everyone is liable to face problems, but the important thing is how to deal with them and reach a solution.
Some try to tackle a problem by violence and, confrontation... whether a materialistic violence or violence of action and words.
A person talks angrily to whoever caused the problem, using force and loud voice; clashing with people might result in losing their friendship and love...
Another person may solve a
problem by using his authority, giving orders and prohibitions. That
happens between a father and his children, or a husband to his
wife, or a boss to his subordinates. It is easy to use authority, it does
not cost anything. But authority has many reactions which could also have
the same violence. It could lead to revolting against authority... or at
least, if the problem is solved on the surface, it will remain inside the
heart, and in the feelings and relationships.
Some tend to escape from a problem, thinking this is the solution...
They do not face the problem but try to defer it or keep away and escape from it. This is not a solution... as the problem will return after some time, troubling them and remain there unsolved.
Others try to solve a problem by ignoring it...
One may try to convince oneself that there is no problem. One thinks that by closing one's eyes, one would not see it and it would not trouble one. The problem will remain there but one will not talk about it or think of it or study it...
But for each problem there are several solutions... by proper and quiet thinking and by wisdom, as King Solomon used to solve the problems presented to him or facing him.
A problem could be solved through prayer, by laying it before God and sometimes by fasting and Masses, as the Saints used to do...
Although some problems need a fast decision, yet others could be solved through patience and endurance...
It is not appropriate to solve a problem by creating another problem.
It is not proper either to
solve a problem by doing something wrong and through non-spiritual means,
like those who tackle their problems with lies or in a cunning
and round about way, or by wordly tricks and deceiving people! !
For the success
of this Sunday
School Program
the teacher should
refer to the
HOLY BIBLE
in his/her preparation
of the lessons and in
teaching the students
in the class
OCTOBER
THIRD SUNDAY
PROPHECIES IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
ABOUT THE LORD JESUS CHRIST (I)
Please read the attached table entitled “Prophecies of the Old Testament about the Lord Jesus Christ”, and give the lesson with emphasis on the points below.
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON:
A key proof to the truthfulness of our Christianity is that the personality of our Lord Jesus and all that was done to Him was prophesied by prophets of the Old Testament, many generations before His coming to our world in the Flesh.
MEMORY
VERSE:
PLEASE EMPHASIZE:
U It is suggested to take the first part of the table up to the Lord Jesus’ entry to Jerusalem and make copies for the students and discuss it with them.
U Jesus’ birth from the Virgin:
U He took His Body from her. She stayed a Virgin after she
gave birth to Jesus.
U The personality of the Lord Jesus:
U He is God-Man. He is called the Son of Man because He was the beginning of the new creation of the new covenant.
U He was also called Son of God because He is God Incarnate.
U The Lord Jesus blessed our homeland “Egypt” in His early childhood:
U He went with the Holy Family to Egypt “Blessed be Egypt”. There they blessed many locations with their visit.
U He entered Jerusalem as a heavenly king:
U Hosanna means “save us”. He is the Saviour. The children of Israel greeted Him at His entry to Jerusalem with “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! The King of Israel” (John 12:13). Thus His personality was declared by heaven on the lips of those young children of Israel.
U Overall observations:
U Everything in full detail about His birth, place of birth, escape to Egypt, coming back from Egypt and his victorious entry to Jerusalem occurred exactly as they were prophesied many generations before His coming to our world in the flesh.
WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THIS LESSON?
1. Through reading the Old Testament we will be able to learn daily many things that we can apply in our lives. Reading the Prophecies concerning our Lord Jesus Christ will also be beneficial in that it will enhance our faith.
2. The Lord Jesus Christ is God Incarnate who came to our world to save us. Our Christianity is true.
3. We have to be familiar with both the Old Testament and the New Testament to be able to convince others that our Christianity is the right path, practical and worth it.
4. We must be thankful that we are Christians and belong to the
Coptic Orthodox Church.
Songs
YOU MAY WONDER
“Great is the mystery of
godliness: God was manifested in the flesh”
(1 Tim: 3:16)
You may wonder how the creator
Came down to earth Alleluia
Born in a manger was God our Maker
As a stranger Alleluia
He is the eternal he is paternal
God is immortal Alleluia
He is the Christ who grants us sight
We praise His light Alleluia
He is wonderful He is beautiful
Of glory He is full Alleluia
They raised Jesus high on the cross
A mystery to us Alleluia
He was crucified and for us He died
Wounded in His side Alleluia
He died and was risen in three days as spoken
Our sins were forgiven Alleluia
At His Father’s right He sits up high
Hearing our sigh Alleluia
He is the Saviour who will sits up high
He will come in splendour Alleluia
Our Lord dear we await You here
Until You appear Alleluia
Recitation Curriculum:
Please look at the recitation curriculum at the end of this book.
Prophecies in the Old Testament
about the Lord Jesus Christ
|
Prophet’s Name |
Year of Writing |
Intention of |
The Prophecy |
|
Isaiah |
742 BC |
Birth of Jesus from a Virgin |
“Behold a virgin shall conceive and bear a son and shall call His name Emanuel” Isaiah 7:14 |
|
Micah |
710 BC |
Place of Birth of Jesus |
“But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are little to be among the clans
of Judah, for you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in
Israel, whose origin is from old, from ancient days” |
|
David |
1047 BC |
He is the Son of God |
He said to me “You are my son, today I have begotten you" Psalm 2:7 |
|
Isaiah |
740 BC |
He is the Son of God |
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulder and his name will be called wonderful counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting father, Prince of Peace” Isaiah 9:6 |
|
Isaiah |
714 BC |
His escape to Egypt |
“The Lord is riding on a cloud and coming to Egypt" Isaiah 19:1 |
|
Prophet’s Name |
Year of Writing |
Intention of |
The Prophecy |
|
Zechariah |
487 BC |
His entry to Jerusalem |
"your king comes to you, triumphant and victorious is he, humble and riding on an Ass, on a colt the foal of an Ass” Zechariah 9:9 |
|
Isaiah |
712 BC |
Suffering of the Cross |
“He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth;
Like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that is
before its shearers that is before its shearers is dumb, so he opened
not his mouth” |
|
Isaiah |
712 BC |
Suffering of the Cross |
"He was despised and rejected, by men, a man of sorrow, and acquainted Isaiah 53:3 |
|
David |
1035 BC |
Jesus’ thirst on the cross |
“My strength is dried up like a potsherd and my tongue clings to My jaws…" Psalm 22:15 |
|
David |
1035 BC |
Sharing of His cloths |
“They divide My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots.” Psalm 22:18 |
|
Prophet’s Name |
Year of Writing |
Intention of |
The Prophecy |
|
Zechariah |
487 BC |
They pierced Jesus |
“Then they will look on Him whom they pierced, they shall mourn for Him as one mourns for an only child” Zechariah 12:10 |
|
Moses |
1491 BC |
No broken bones
|
“...nor shall you break one of its bones” Exodus 12:46 |
|
Isaiah |
712 BC |
Jesus’ crucifixion between two thieves |
“He was numbered with the transgressors" Isaiah 53:2 |
|
Isaiah |
712 BC |
His salvation for sinners |
“When He makes Himself an offering for sin" Isaiah 53:10 |
|
Isaiah |
712 BC |
Jesus’ Death |
“He poured out His soul to death” Isaiah 53:12 |
|
Isaiah |
712 BC |
His burial in a rich Man's tomb |
“And they made His grave with the wicked-But with the rich at His death” Isaiah 53:9 |
|
David |
1040 BC |
His Body was not rotten |
“For You will not leave My soul in sheol, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption” Psalm 16:10 |
|
David |
1040 BC |
His resurrection from the dead |
“I lay down and slept; I awoke for the Lord sustained me” Psalm 3:5
|
|
Prophet’s Name |
Year of Writing |
Intention of |
The Prophecy |
|
Hosea |
870 BC |
His resurrection on the third day
|
On the third day he will raise us up” Hosea 6:2 |
|
David |
1040 BC |
His Ascension to Heaven |
“And He rode upon a cherub and flew. He flew upon the wings of the wind. He made darkness His secret place;” Psalm 18: 10- 11
|
|
Joel |
800 BC |
The coming of the Holy Spirit |
And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out my spirit on all flesh, your sons and daughters shall prophesy” Joel 2:28-29
|
For the success
of this Sunday
School Program
the teacher should
refer to the
HOLY BIBLE
in his/her preparation
of the lessons and in
teaching the students
in the class