To search this page for a specific word hold down the 'CTRL' key and press 'f'.
THE COPTIC ORTHODOX PATRICHARCATE ST. GEORGE AND ST. RUEISS CHURCH SUNDAY SCHOOL PROGRAM
GRADE EIGHT
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, CANADA M3B 1M1 (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 CONTENTSINTRODUCTION TO THE SUNDAY SCHOOL PROGRAM “LOVE YOUR ENEMIES”: IS IT PRACTICAL? “ARIANUS, THE PERSECUTOR OF CHRISTIANS BECAME A CHRISTIAN AND MARTYR” AS EXPRESSED IN THE READINGS OF THE CHURCH ON THE THREE DAYS OF THE FEAST OF THE CROSS AS EXPRESSED IN THE READINGS OF THE CHURCH ON THE THREE DAYS OF THE FEAST OF THE CROSS THE DOCTRINES OF THE COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH OF ALEXANDRIA - ( I ) THE DOCTRINES OF THE COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH OF ALEXANDRIA – (II) THE DOCTRINES OF THE COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH OF THE DOCTRINES OF THE COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH OF THE DOCTRINES OF THE COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH OF ALEXANDRIA – (V) LESSON BENEFITED FROM THE LIFE OF ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM WHAT PRESENT TO GIVE TO THE CHRIST-CHILD? THE PRINCIPLE OF THE “FULLNESS OF THE TIME” AS MANIFESTED IN LUKE CHAPTER 1, AND THE SYMBOLISM OF THE CANDY CANES LESSONS BENEFITED FROM THE BIRTH OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST - “HUMBLENESS AND SIMPLICITY” LESSONS BENEFITED FROM EPIPHANY We Have to Withstand Other People’s Mistakes Against Us JONAH – (II) - “BENEFITING FROM THE MISTAKES” JONAH – (III) - “THE SPIRITUAL FASTING” THE WEDDING AT CANA OF GALILEE THE LORD JESUS SHOWED HIS GLORY AND HIS HUMBLENESS PERSONALITIES FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT - ( I ) EZEKIEL, PROPHET OF RENEWAL AND UNITY PERSONALITIES FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT – (II) EFFECT OF CHRISTIANITY ON THE PERSONAL ATTITUDE (I) “CHRISTIANITY AND LOVE” Effect of Christianity on the Personal attitude (II) “Christianity is Against Partiality” “WHY DOES THE WORLD REJECT THE LORD JESUS” CONTEMPLATIONS ON THE PRAYER OF THE HOLY WEEK ( I ) CONTEMPLATION ON THE PRAYER OF THE HOLY WEEK (II) Your spirituality in the fifty days after Easter (ITS SYMBOLIC, PROPHETIC AND SPIRITUAL MEANINGS) ( I )
(ITS SYMBOLIC, PROPHETIC AND SPIRITUAL MEANINGS) (II)
LESSONS BENEFITED FROM THE SACRIFICES IN THE OLD TESTAMENT ( I ) LESSONS BENEFITED FROM THE SACRIFICES IN THE OLD TESTAMENT (II) EFFECT OF CHRISTIANITY ON THE PERSONAL ATTITUDE ( I ) “LIFE OF SERVICE AND SACRIFICE” EFFECT OF CHRISTIANITY ON THE PERSONAL ATTITUDE (II) “LIFE OF PATIENCE AND TRUST IN GOD” BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT –I PENTECOST - BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT (II) MY COPTIC CHURCH HAS TAUGHT ME ( I ) MY COPTIC CHURCH HAS TAUGHT ME (II) MY COPTIC CHURCH HAS TAUGHT ME (III) REGARDING THE INTERCESSION OF THE SAINTS THE APOSTLES OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ( I ) THE APOSTLES OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST (II) GOD WANTS US TO HAVE POWER AND AUTHORITY THE APOSTLES OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST (III) THE ESSENCE OF THE APOSTLES’ MINISTRY THE APOSTLES OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST (IV) THE ESSENCE OF THE APOSTLES’ MINISTRY LET US STICK TO OUR PRINCIPLES AND TRUST IN GOD ST. MARY’S PERPETUAL VIRGINITY
INTRODUCTION TO THE SUNDAY SCHOOL PROGRAMPrincipal Goal of Christian Up-Bringing. The child had and still has, first as a person and second as a child, a special importance to our Lord Jesus Christ. He called the children and considered them models of perfection, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea" (Matthew 18:3-5). Therefore, children are beloved ones to Christ and are His friends with their simplicity and purity of heart. Christ called them, blessed them and asked His Disciples and Apostles after Him to take care of bringing up children and prepare the suitable environment for their spiritual growth. St. Paul advises parents saying, "Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged", (Colossians 3:21). From a Christian point of view, the general principal goal of religious up - bringing is the formation of the perfect man of God who is following the example of our Lord Jesus Christ, "Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect" (Matthew 5:48). Also, our Lord said, "For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you" (John 13:15). Hence, a Christian up-bringing is not merely an education to be given or a curriculum to be taught, but it is rather a life that is given through example and behavior through teaching and discipleship. The saintly Fathers of the church have emphasized this fact. St. John said about his practice of life with the Lord "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-the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us - that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ" (1 John 1:1-3). The same fact was emphasized by St. Paul when he was talking to his disciple Timothy "But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, long-suffering, love, persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium ... But as for you, continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3:10-15). Also in the letter of St. Paul to the Philippians 3:17, "Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern". Therefore, the principal goal of the Christian up-bringing is to change the life of our children to the life of Christ in them, i.e. to a life based on the work of Christ in them as true Christians and not just religious persons who fear God but deny Him. The Starting Point in Achieving the Goal of Religious Upbringing. The teacher should not start with the student from power Zero. The student comes equipped with many social and religious experiences. His religious experience, although it is limited, it has a strong basis that is ready for spiritual growth. In the Sacrament of Baptism, the student has already obtained the spiritual birth i.e. he became spiritually re-born. After his baptism he was anointed with the Holy Myroun (Chrism) and the Holy Spirit dwelt in him. St. John said "But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you; and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him" (l John 2:27). Therefore, by obtaining these two Holy Sacraments and the Sacrament of Eucharist, the student becomes a member in the body of the Lord and a living part of the body of the Holy Church. This means that religious up-bringing is not something foreign with respect to the student. The student is a temple of God and the Spirit of God dwells in him. This means that it is not the teacher who makes the student live a life for Christ, but it is the inside work of the Holy Spirit that makes the whole difference. The role of the teacher is to make the student aware of the effect and the work of the Spirit. In this sense the student becomes aware of the secret grace inside him and as a result the divine word inside him grows as the seed grows inside the earth. The Difference Between Religious Education and Religious Upbringing. We should not aim at providing lessons in the form of giving information, i.e. a mere religious education. In this case religious experience will never exceed the circle of the mind and will never affect the heart and practice of the student. If we consider religious education as an element in religious bringing-up, we are in this case following Christ's plan in the development and building of the Christian personality. Christ with His example and His perfection gave us a model which should be followed and achieved. As for His teachings, they are meant to clear the way for us in order to follow them as examples and models. The Need of our Church for a Coptic Orthodox Sunday School Program. There is one basic difference between Eastern and Western theology; the latter depends on study, analysis and using scientific means, whereas Eastern theology is based on experience and depth which is mainly lead to true Christian life. The Eastern Church respects the role of the mind but it works under the supervision of faith. The majority of recent Western Sunday School programs follow a pure analytical way of explaining the Bible. For example, miracles are explained through psychological and scientific factors. The man of God must accept miracles and believe them as they are. St. Athanasius said, "Our knowledge must not control (or have authority over) the word, but the word itself must have the control and authority over the mind". Another basic difference is that our traditional Church uses the rites in education as a key in the process of living what is being taught. Over and above what was mentioned before in relation to the basic differences in religious education between Eastern and Western churches, there are also basic differences in the various beliefs and the way Christianity is lived by in actual life. We, as parents, teachers and clergy, are responsible in front of God to bring up our children according to the same spiritual Orthodox principles that we received from our saintly Fathers who shed their blood to perpetuate the perfect Orthodox faith . Therefore, our children must learn from the same source from which we learned before them. The Sunday School program in your hands is a fruit of love granted by our Lord Jesus Christ to our children and a gift from Him to them. This program is purely Coptic Orthodox. All its references without exception are Coptic Orthodox (please review the reference list at the end of the book. In this manner all the information that is in this book (as well as all the books in this series) can be used with total confidence as it is devised according to our glorified church. The spirit of the lessons is indeed the same spirit of the Coptic Orthodox Church.
About the Books in Your Hands. These books in your hands are integrated series of books which were written for children from age 4 to 18. With the grace of the Holy Spirit, if the child at age 4 follows this series of lessons until age 18, he will obtain an all-rounded spiritual background. The books (covering the teachings from pre-schoolers to grade 12) cover a study of most of the major Biblical subjects of the Old and New Testaments, the celebrations of the church of our Master's feasts, the life of the Saints and their feasts, the divine liturgy with its rites and spirituality, the true Christian life and Christian behavior, church sacraments, fasting, prayers, the creed and its explanation, the Ecumenical Councils, the difference between the various major Christian sects, the Christian family, the history of our church, the major personalities in the Holy Bible, ... etc. The program is indeed comprehensive and it covers all the key areas of our Orthodox church. If these lessons were given in the spiritual way that was emphasized before, great results will be expected with the work of the Holy Spirit. General Rules and Principles to be Followed by the Sunday School Teachers. 1) The teacher must know the stage and the characteristics of growth of the children that he or she is teaching. A child who is 12 years old is different than a child who is 8 years old. The teacher must know the level of his/her students, their abilities to receive information that he/she is giving and the differences between the various abilities in the same class. 2) The positive participation of the students is very important during the lesson and the effectiveness of teaching. One of the key incentives for the student is to give importance to the lesson and have an effective communication with the teacher and, above all, to define clearly the purpose behind it and present the lesson in the form of problems that attract their attention. 3) The teacher must follow a psychological order of the facts he is presenting. Our Lord Jesus Christ used effectively the psychological method of teaching through His parables. The parables in their simplicity are drawn from the daily life of the people. We must emphasize here that the psychological method is not the only method of spiritual teaching. We should mention this method as one of the methods used. It is quite important to note that spiritual teaching must be imparted with certain goals in mind which are connected with the life of the children and related to the problems they face. We should provide guidance that is mostly needed for them. 4) The teacher must present the lesson and illustrate it with relevant information and present it as a coherent unity without ambiguity or contradiction. He may use illustrations to help him explain what he means. 5) Application of Christian principles to the actual social life must be emphasized in every lesson. The teacher should use stories (from the Old or New Testaments or from church history or church books) to attract the attention of the students and show the Christian principle in an applied manner. The teacher also may divide the subject into stages or small subjects. A good practice is to summarize the lesson or better still, ask the students themselves to summarize it. 6) The manner of expressing the lesson to the students is also very important. A teacher who is living by what he/she teaches will definitely be more effective in giving his/her message across. A teacher who is teaching under spiritual influence with compatible emotions to what he/she teaches will be definitely more effective than a teacher who is giving information.
ACKNOLEDGEMENTS On behalf of the Coptic Orthodox children and youth, who are going to benefit a great deal from this revised Sunday School Program, I would like to express a word of appreciation and gratitude to: His Holiness Pope Shenouda III This program leans quite heavily on the writings of His Holiness Pope Shenouda III. The majority of the contents of the lessons and their attachments are based on His Holiness' writings. This is a very bright and important aspect of this program. In 1986, during the time in which there was no Coptic Orthodox Sunday School program in the land of immigration, His Holiness reviewed the general contents of the program, commented and modified many key subjects, and then authorized the use of this program in all churches outside of Egypt, on a preliminary basis. I can safely say that, if it was not for His Holiness Pope Shenouda III's support, wisdom, and writings, this book would not exist. The whole generation is in debt to His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, not only because of his great teachings and writings, but also because of his love and leadership. His Grace Bishop Reweiss His Grace Bishop Reweiss has been behind us all the way with his love and guidance. He wrote the forward for our previous version of the program in 1986. His Grace Bishop Moussa His Grace Bishop Moussa has provided constant support and encouragement in the completion of the previous program. Of course, His Grace's writings for the youth have been utilized in all the subjects directed towards the youth, in this book. Fr. Tadros Malaty and Fr. Marcos Marcos These Beloved Fathers reviewed thoroughly all of the contents of the first six books of the previous version of the program. Their dedication, experience, and wisdom have been an important factor in the quality of all the material. They contributed greatly towards setting up the lessons, in that sense. Father Tadros Malaty's deep writings, without any doubt, have been a key reference in the majority of the lessons. His latest advice to revise and enhance the previous version of the program has been held in the highest regards. Dr. Fayek M. Ishak Dr. Fayek Ishak (head of the English Department at Lakehead University) reviewed the first six books of the previous version of the program. He contributed, immensely, towards the setup of the lessons. Fr. Gawargious Michael and Fr. Mikhael Armanios These two beloved priests chose the proper songs to match the subjects of the lessons. They also arranged the proof-reading of all the books with a chosen group of youth. Fr. Makary Silwanis This beloved priest made all of the arrangements for revising the previous Sunday School Program. He single-handedly arranged to have the new program available online. His computer skills were a key factor in all areas. Tassoni Ragaa The continuous support and encouragement of Tassoni Ragaa played an essential role in the write-up of the previous version of the program, as well as in this revision. One of the aspects that kept this program centered and on track was her continuous reminder that this program is for generations to come and every effort is worthwhile for the sake of the upbringing of the children and youth. The Youth of St. George and St. Rueiss Coptic Orthodox Church There was a key participation from Heba Khattas in this revised version. She in total love and joy contributed with great efforts in typing, checking, proof reading and commenting. All these things by her own initiative despite all the other responsibilities that she had to do towards her family, her work and her study. There was a key contribution from Marian Awad in this revised version. She proposed that the lessons for Grades 11 and 12 be totally redone in order to prepare the youth to face the challenges at the university level. This idea resulted in a huge change in the curriculum for these two grades, as well as in the writing of the "Contemporary Issues" book. Ninette Bishay sang over 100 songs in order to make sure that all the lessons were accompanied by beautiful songs in a great language and tone. Caroline Yassa typed many lessons for the author, mostly dictated over the phone, at times when his eyes were very sore from reading. Her efforts are greatly appreciated. Comments and proof-readings of many of the youth are greatly appreciated.
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:
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 Grades 8 (Adolescence: Age 13 to 14 years)
1) This age is characterized by an important mental development. A sense of cause and effect is developed, an ability to organize and classify, and an interest in simple planning and carrying out a plan. We can see this reflected in their play.
2) They now have a far more clear consciousness of “justice” than there has been before. The instinct of ownership was already present at an earlier age, but now there is a fairly clear understanding of what is “mine” and “not mine.” Along with the sense of “law” and consciousness of “law breaking” there is a growth and development of finer feelings, of compassion, desire to protect someone weaker than oneself and acceptance of certain moral standards.
3) Children in this age will show interest in cause and effect, and in listening to Bible stories. They will also show interest in God’s plan for the world.
4) The story must be given as a story without too many comments. Lessons should be accompanied by hymns and class activities as colouring, cutting and pasting pictures ... etc.
5) Though it is too early to discuss with children the problem of suffering, and especially the suffering of the innocent, it is sometimes unavoidable, We can establish in their minds the image of the Lord Jesus Christ as the one who was innocent and accepted suffering, but His suffering and death were not the end, as He rose from the dead. If the children have really assimilated the Passion and the Resurrection, we have provided them with a basis for a Christian approach to the problem of suffering. They will have to deal intellectually with it at a later age.
6) In addition to the above, the teacher should: start from the simple to the more difficult facts, from the known to the unknown and from the total to the parts and back to the total again.
Children should love the teacher, the class, the lesson and come very anxiously to class.
SEPTEMBERFIRST SUNDAY
“LOVE YOUR ENEMIES”: IS IT PRACTICAL?
Please read the attached notes entitled “Love of the Enemies in the Old Testament”, the attached article entitled “Wise love and foolish love” and give the lesson with emphasis on the points below.
PURPOSE OF THIS LESSON:
V To learn and emphasize that love is the corner stone of Christianity. Yes, it is practical to reach the level of loving of the enemies. One has to always review his or her love for others and see whether it is ‘wise love or foolish love.”
MEMORY VERSE:
“…you love one another as I have loved you” John 15:12
PLEASE EMPHASIZE:
U In all generations, even in the Old Testament, the main thing that distinguishes God’s people is LOVE. Remember, God is love. He placed love in the hearts of His people and therefore, we are capable of loving one another.
U Mention the two stories attached from the Old Testament about love. Joseph did good and loved his brothers although they mistreated him. David did good to Saul who persecuted and pursued him.
U In the New Testament, our Lord Jesus emphasized that love is the corner stone of Christianity. Without love we will not be able to know or receive God because “.. God is love and he who abides in love abides in God and God in him” 1 John 4:16. If we have love, we live in the light of Christianity. If we practice hatred, we would be living darkness.
U We must pray to God to help us love others. This will lead us to love God. Love is the first fruit of the Holy Spirit, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace...” (Galatians 5:22). So, a true Christian who has the Holy Spirit working in him or her would have love to the level of loving his/her enemies. Without the help of the Holy Spirit we cannot reach such a level. For example, St. Stephen, during his last moments on earth, while being stoned by the Jews, he prayed and said, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin” Acts 7:60.
U In the Old Testament we have only few examples about loving the enemies. Now as Christians filled with the power of the Holy Spirit we can with no doubt gradually reach the level of loving our enemies.
U The Lord Christ said “You love one another as I loved you” (John 15:12). The “type of love that we should have for others should be in the wise type of love not the foolish type of love.”
WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THIS LESSON?
(1) Let each one of us start treating others fairly and avoid conflicts. Each one of us must pray for the Holy Spirit to fill us and give us the power to love all people; even our enemies.
(2) We are winners when we love others because this will lead us to love God. This will lead us to enter into a friendly relationship with God filled with love and this is the ultimate goal of Christianity.
(3) There is wise love and foolish love. The Lord Jesus wanted us to only practice the wise love, which is the same type of love He practiced for us (please see example in the attached material).
(4) To do any missionary work we must have deep love for others.
Songs THEY WILL KNOW WE ARE CHRISTIANS
We are one in the spirit we are one in the Lord And we pray that our unity will one day be restored.
REFRAIN And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love Yes they’ll know we are Christians by our love.
We will walk with each other we will walk hand in hand And together we’ll spread the news that God is in our land
We will work with each other we will work side by side And we’ll guard each man’s dignity and save each man’s pride
Our praise to the Father from whom all things come And our praise to Christ Jesus His only Son And our praise to the Spirit who makes us one
Love of the Enemies in the Old Testament
In the New Testament, loving enemies is clear in Christianity. Furthermore, there was also a few cases of loving the enemies in the Old Testament:
1. Joseph was good to his brothers who sold him as a slave. (Genesis chapters 37 and 45).
2. “… when David had finished speaking these words to Saul, that Saul said, is this your voice, my son David?’ And Saul lifted up his voice and wept. Then He said to David: ‘You are more righteous than I; for you have rewarded me with good, whereas I have rewarded you with evil.’ “(1 Samuel: 24:16-17).
3. Some of the statements in the Old Testament:
v “Do not rejoice when your enemy falls; and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles” (Proverbs 24:17).
v “If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;” (Proverbs 25:2 1).
WISE LOVE AND FOOLISH LOVE By H.H. Pope Shenouda III
There is a wise love whose owner profits from it, even if it causes some pain, but it is useful for his soul and eternity.
And there is a foolish love that destroys its owner, even if it shows features of kindness and tenderness...
You might love a person, then
you support him in whatever is right or wrong. You might even encourage
his wrong doings and he loses his soul and yours too.
Or you might love a person
and have pity for his physical tiredness, struggle and asceticism. You end
up doing him harm and destroy his soul, mind and future!
A mother who loves her child,
pampers and spoils him... or loves him when he grows and wishes that he
remains by her side, could stop him from dedication,
One who loves his sick
relative may hide from him the seriousness of his sickness and never gives
him a chance to prepare for his eternity. This is also a non-spiritual
True love is wise and spiritual and aims at the salvation of souls. It is a love that does not sacrifice what is right for the sake of being courteous. It does not share in the faults of others... It is pure and sincere, like God's love...
NOTES _________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________
SEPTEMBER SECOND SUNDAY
SIGNS OF THE END OF THE WORLD
Please read Matthew 24:1-33, the attached material entitled “Do not postpone.”, and give the lesson with emphasis on the points below.
PURPOSE OF THIS LESSON
v To study the signs of the end of the world, as presented in the Bible, and to emphasize that our church does not give any specific date for this event. This event reminds us of not delaying our repentance and our readiness to meet with God.
MEMORY VERSE
“Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven …” (Matthew 24:30).
PLEASE EMPHASIZE
v There are many cult groups who try to determine the timing of the end of the world. They have been proven wrong time after time. Our Lord Christ said “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.” (Acts 1:7). So, our church never predicts the timing of these events.
v
The signs of the end of the
world as mentioned in the Bible are as follows: 1. Wars and famines “The beginning of sorrows”: “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars.. ..And there will be famines, pestilence, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginnings of sorrows” Matthew 24:6-8
2. The coming of the rebellion: “Let no one deceive you by any means: for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshipped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. Do you not remember when I was still with you I told you these things? And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already all work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan. with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.” 2 Thess. 2:3-10
v Please read it with the students and emphasize that this is a very important sign. Please read also 1 Timothy 4:1. Emphasize that there are many evil things and troubles appearing in the world that belong to Satan, however, that general rebellion did not come yet. Please read also Matthew 24:24
3. The destruction of all elements: “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.” Matthew 24:29
4. The last sign is the appearance of Christ in heaven “Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” (Matthew 24:30). “And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath” (Matthew 24:20). This means we pray that our departure from this world comes when we are frilly ready and not lazy or cold in our spiritual life similar to people in the winter or the Sabbath.
WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THIS LESSON?
1. To live a good Christian life that is pleasing to God. To each of us, the end is when we are called to leave this world and give account for our deeds. So, let us not delay getting ready.
2. Never trust any predictions about the end of the world.
3. Let us be ready at all times and do not delay our repentance.
4. The usefulness of the signs of the end of the world is not to predict when it is going to happen. But the fulfillment of those signs is evidence that the end of the world and the second coming of Christ will happen.
Songs SPEEDILY
Jesus is standing and knocking on your door open up or else He will be there no more Let Him in to reign on your heart like before open up your heart for Jesus, speedily
REFRAIN
Speedily, Speedily, Use the only chance you may have been given Open up your heart for Jesus, speedily
All the day He has been there waiting for you open up and he will bring His Father too And together They will make a home in you open up your heart for Jesus, speedily
Open up your heart and you’ll be forgiven this may be the only time you are given So waste not your chance to make it to heaven open up your heart for Jesus, speedily
Open up your heart today and do not wait wake up and repent before it is too late Hell is full of those who did procrastinate open up your heart for Jesus, speedily
He is knocking on your door, so open up He’s prepared to give Himself for you to sup Come, receive Him in the paten and the cup open up your heart for Jesus, speedily.
Do Not Postpone By H.H. Pope Shenouda III
If the grace of God worked in your heart and you felt a strong desire to repent, do not hesitate not even for a few minutes...
You do not know, perhaps the motive might cease as well as the outside effect, then the desire to repent goes away and when you try to look for repentance you will not find it...
Your deferment for repentance will give the devil a chance to be prepared for you and to put obstacles in your way. When he knows of your intention to repent, his wars will become fierce and he will make repentance difficult for you...
The Bible considers your rejection of the voice of God, a kind of a hardness of the heart. The Divine Inspiration says, "Today if you will heart His voice, do not harden your hearts. " (Heb. 3:15).
Also such deferment, or non-response to the voice of God and His work in you is considered as giving little value to the work of grace.
God might allow His grace to be taken away from you, or deliver you to the hands of your enemies or let you be humiliated by sin in order that you may know the value of the grace you rejected and refuse it no more afterwards...
The prodigal son, when he came to himself, he said, "I will arise and go to my father. " (Luk. 15:18). Immediately he arose and went... he seized opportunity of the spiritual warmth before it became cool in the heart and before it was snatched by the enemy...
The Bible says, "Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. " (Eph. 5:16). Therefore, benefit from the time in which you feel a longing for God; turn such a desire into practical fact showing that you seek God as He seeks you...
Many of those who delayed repentance never repented. Or when they tried to repent later they found it very difficult. And what is worse, many of them no longer had the wish to repent.. . !
Every time you delay repentance, say to yourself what is the meaning of this? Does it mean that you forsake God's reconciliation?! Or do you prefer to continue resisting Him?! Or do you not mind to strife with God and wound His love?
SEPTEMBER THIRD SUNDAY
EL-NAYROUZ“ARIANUS, THE PERSECUTOR OF CHRISTIANSBECAME A CHRISTIAN AND MARTYR”
Please read the attached materials entitled “Feast of the Martyrs”, “In the memory of our Martyrs El Nayrouz Feast”, the attached material taken from the Coptic synaxairum entitled “The Martyrdom of St. Arianus” the attached article entitled “The glory of pain”, and give the lesson with emphasis on the points below.
PURPOSE OF THIS LESSON
v The martyrs’ lives and endurance of sufferings were in support of the spreading of Christianity around the world. The martyrs truly experienced the glory of Christ in the widest of their sufferings. We can also feel the glory of Christ upon bearing sufferings for His sake.
MEMORY VERSE
“While we do not look at the things which are not seen, but at the things which are seen” 2 Corinthians 4:18PLEASE EMPHASIZE
v Religions in the world spread through various ways and means, For example, Islam spread in the world by the sword and the threats. Many cults now try to seduce people to adopt their religions and later they become very hostile with them if they change their opinion.
v Please review all the background information about El-Nayrouz Feast, from the second attached article. Ask the students first to brainstorm on what they know, then add to their knowledge.
v The Egyptian year is a very old year. The Egyptian Pharaohs made its calculations more than 5,000 years before Christ. They called its months with the names of their ancient gods.
The Egyptian year (also called the Coptic Year as the word Coptic means Egyptian) was called the “Martyr year” and the counting of it started with the reign of King Diocletian who killed thousands of faithful Christians. The difference between the Julian year and the Coptic year is 284 years.
v Describe the life of Arianus who used to persecute the Christians and kill them. Later on, he believed and was converted to Christianity.
Arrianus tortured St. Appollonius by tying him to a tree and throwing arrows at his body. Consequently, one of the arrows accidentally, hurt Arianus’ eye. He bled and in pain asked St. Appollonius to heal his eye. One of believers advised him to take from the blood of the martyrs and put it on his eyes to be healed. Arianus did as told and his eyes were healed. Arrianus then repented from his sins against Christianity. He declared his love for Christ became Christian and was martyred.
Arianus is just one example of many Rulers who converted to Christianity. They usually convert to Christianity after they persecute many Christians. In a similar way, during the seven years of tortures that St. George endured before his martyrdom, thousands and thousands of non-believers became Christians when they saw the Faith of St. George.
v In martyrdom, Christ is present in the martyr’s heart, thoughts and soul, supporting him till the last breath. Extending His body, and placing His wounds on the martyr’s wounds. Then the martyr gets a taste of Christ’s glory.
WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THIS LESSON?
1. We too can attract many people to the Christianity by our good deeds.
2. Our Christianity is founded upon the blood shed by the Fathers of the Church. In order to do any meaningful missionary work, one has to be ready to bear sufferings and endure pains for the sake of Christ. However, the Lord Jesus will carry with us those pains and sufferings so that we will be feeling only the glory of God and be anxious for heaven. You never see the icon of a martyr who looks sad, angry or in despair. The reverse is true as the faces of martyrs are filled with joy and peace.
We must never lose hope. Just as God changed the heart of Arianus and made him a good Christian. He can also work with us, guide us, protect us and help us lead a victorious life over the attractions and temptations of this world.
Songs
THE MARTYRE AND NAIROUZ
Come, Ye faithful people, come to the heavenly Jerusalem Where there is eternal life and we’ll live in peace with our Saviour
Nairouz is the beginning of the year when we remember our martyrs Who defended faith without fear and lived in peace with our Saviour
Our ancestors were brave for their faith their lives they gave Now in Heaven they are crowned And they lived in peace with our Saviour
Our martyrs won their crowns when they laid their lives down And they opened Heaven’s doors now they live in peace with our Saviour
Never flinched they from the flame nor from the tyrant’s sharpest aim They shed their blood for His Name Now they live in peace with our Saviour
By their faith they saw the land where triumphant now they stand They put their souls in His hand And lived in peace with our Saviour
If Satan comes to divide us the voice of God will gather us And His peace will be with us And we‘ll live in peace with our Saviour
Lord, deliver us from all sin that eternal life we may win And lead us to Thy Kingdom O our King, and our Saviour
FEAST OF THE MARTYRS Martyrdom, by blood shedding, is one of the mysteries of the church, equal to baptism. Testifying for Christ by the shedding of blood is an actual renewal of the cross. During Martyrdom, Christ is present in the martyr’s heart, thoughts and soul, supporting him or her till the last breath, extending His body, and placing His wounds on the martyr’s wounds.
Thus the martyrs bear all sorts of torture without any complaints or objections because at that time, they actually experience conquering of death and see the dawn of eternity. Together with pain and suffering martyrs get a taste of Christ’s glory through a tangible and visible vision.
Praising the martyrs is certainly a definite order from God, and martyrdom is a great joy and godly glory. The glory received in martyrdom does not mean that the martyr or martyrdom is higher in rank than faith, but that the martyr as a human being, proclaims his faith on the basis of the verse: or to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1. 1:21) this reveals that the martyr actually lives by faith through Christ. The true proof is in his or her readiness to die, believing that death is the door to everlasting life and eternity with Christ. Any person who is not ready to suffer and die with Christ or for Christ, is not considered to be of perfect faith.
When the martyr reaches the point of sensing the call to this happy journey, he/she cannot bear to remain on this earth, and no longer worries about any form of torture. This can come at the moments of love that fills him/her with faith and blazing hope.
Christians used to surround the martyrs during their last moments to breathe their fragrance, to receive their advice and to be enriched with their supplications. They also crowded to touch their bodies and dip the most treasured belongings in the drops of their blood. The bodies of the martyrs were wrapped in the most valuable shrouds and placed in the most holy of places. The crown of martyrdom which the church insists upon is one of the rights of the martyrs always appearing around their heads.
One of the church’s rituals that is inherited from the first centuries is the commemoration of the saints by singing hymns and praises all night every Sunday and on the eve of their feast. In Egypt, the church used to and still does make an agape feast after the mass to feed the congregation and the poor. It used to be called “Agape anamnesis” i.e. “Love for memory.
Commemoration of the martyr has an overwhelming influence on the thoughts of the people because it strengthens them in their struggles against the devil and fortifies them against evil thoughts and imaginations and gives them great peace.
In conclusion, many have witnessed that the martyr’s blood had an aroma that excelled all worldly fragrance. As for those who were martyred though burning, their burning bodies gave out an aroma filled with perfume. All those testimonies prove in all certainty that the martyrs directly departed to the highest glory
IN THE MEMORY OF OUR MARTYRS EL-NAYROUZ FEAST
v El-Nayrouz feast is the beginning of the Egyptian year. The Egyptian year is a very old one. The ancient Pharaohs initiated this calendar system 5000 years before the birth of Jesus’, naming its months after the names of their ancient Egyptian gods. The Egyptian year has 13 months; they are: Tout, Baba, Hatour, Kyahek, Touba, Amshier, Baramehat, Baramouda, Bashense, Baouna, Abib, Messra and El-Nassey. Each month of these months is 30 days in length; except the last month, El=Nassey, which is only 5 days long. v Up until now, the Egyptians farmers use the Coptic Year System in their timing for agriculture. v Egypt had used the Egyptian year system only until the French came to Egypt in the era of Esmaile Basha, who introduced the Western Year System (January, February . . . etc). v In the years of Dicaldianos, in which the numbers of martyrs increased very much, the Egyptian year took the name of the “Martyrs Year”. v The Church these days, celebrates special feasts; the “Nayrouz Feast” which is the “Martyrs’ Feast.” This celebration continues for 17 days until the “Feast of the Cross.” During the Coptic year (which is the Egyptian year), the church system, i.e. feasts, fasting and readings in the Church, are divided into the following rounds: Round #1: This is the Nayrouz in which the Church celebrates the memory of the martyrs who established the church on account of their faith and blood. (Tout) Round #2: The Church celebrates the mystery of the birth of Jesus, from Our Lady, St. Mary (Kyahek), and this ends at Christmas. Round #3: The Baptism of Jesus and the unity of the Holy Trinity (The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit.) (Touba) Round #4: The Jonah Feast and the preparation for the Holy Forty--Day Fast. (Touba) Round #5: The Holy Lent. (Amshier - Baramehat) Round #6: The Easter celebration. (Baramouda - Bashense) Round #7: Mission month and the Disciples’ Feast. (Abib) Round #8: St. Mary’s Feast. (Messra) Round #9: The short month (Nassey), and all the readings in the church during this month are about the end of the world. I hope you live up these occasions, during the year. The Church celebrates these 9 rounds in order for you to keep in touch with all the events; and seeing as you live in the church; remember these events, learn from them and get their blessings. Here is an example of one of our beloved martyrs:
ST. ARIANUS
St. Arianus, the governor of Ansena, was martyred. When he ordered to shoot St. Apollonius with arrows, one of the arrows glanced back and struck his eye and destroyed it. As it is mentioned in the Seventh day of Baramhat, one of the believers said to him: "If you take some of his blood and smear your eye with it, you will regain your sight." The Governor took some of his blood, smeared his eye, and immediately he was able to see. Arianus believed in the Lord Christ, and he regretted all the evil things which he had done to the holy martyrs and the severity with which he tortured them. Then he rose up, destroyed his idols, and stopped torturing the believers.
When Diocletian heard the report of Arianus, he brought him, and asked him why he had forsaken the worship of his idols. Arianus told him about the signs and wonders that God had worked through the hands of the holy martyrs, and how, in spite of the tortures which he had inflicted upon them and the mutilation of their bodies, they rose up again whole. The Emperor became furious with him because of what he said, and ordered him to be tortured severely, casted him into a pit and covered it until he died.
The Lord Christ sent His angel, who brought Arianus out from the pit, and took him beside the bed of the Emperor. When the Emperor woke up from his sleep, he saw and recognized Arianus, he was amazed and terrified. Diocletian again ordered him to be placed into a hair sack, and casted it into the sea. Arianus, the martyr, delivered up his soul while he was in the hair sack. The Saint had told his kinsfolk, when he bid them farewell, that the Lord had told him in a vision of the night that He would take care of his body, and return it to his town. He also told Arianus that they will find his body on the shore of Alexandria.
The Lord ordered a sea creature to carry the Saint, and bring him to the city of Alexandria, and cast him on the shore. His men took his body, brought it to Ansena, and laid it with the bodies of the Saints Philemon and Apollonius. Thus, St. Arianus finished his good fight and received the heavenly crown.
May his prayers be with us and Glory be to God forever. Amen.
THE GLORY OF SUFFERING By H.H. Pope Shenouda III
St Paul, the Apostle, says in his Epistle to the Romans, "If indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. " (Rom 8:17)
And so, suffering for the
Lord becomes a measure of the glory that awaits the faithful in the
eternal Kingdom. Therefore the Church places the martyrs above all the
They are mentioned in the Church's prayers
before the spirit-borne and the solitary fathers, who filled the
wilderness with prayers and contemplation. They are also mentioned before
our fathers the Patriarchs and Bishops, with all their services in
spreading the Word. This is all because of the sufferings they endured for
the sake of
Even in service, the measure
of suffering is also obvious, as the Apostle says, "... and each will
receive his own reward according to his own labour.” (1 Cor 3:8)
It is also said in the Bible that, "God is not unjust to forget your work and labour of love... "(Heb 6:10)
Love expresses its existence by labouring for the be loved one, as the Apostle says, "... Let us not love in word or in tongue. “(1 Jn 3:18)
The depth of love also shows in suffering, when the level of love is raised up to sacrifice and redemption.
Therefore, God's love was shown to us in its deepest form when the Lord was on the Cross, sacrificing him self for our redemption, the just for the unjust, Christ was at the peak of His glory when He was in His deepest passion.
For this reason, He said about his crucifixion, "Now the Son of Man is glorified.” (Jn 13:13) The picture of His crucifixion is the picture of His glory... St. Paul, the Apostle, considers suffering as a gift from God. In this, he says, "For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for his sake." (Phil 1:29) St. Peter, the Apostle, also talked about suffering saying, "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow his steps. " (1 Pet 2:21)
SEPTEMBER FOURTH SUNDAY
THE CROSS - ( I )AS EXPRESSED IN THE READINGS OF THE CHURCH ON THE THREE DAYS OF THE FEAST OF THE CROSS
PURPOSE OF THIS LESSON
This is the first lesson in a series of two lessons about the Holy Cross as expressed in the reading of the Coptic Orthodox Church on the three days of the feast of the Cross.
MEMORY VERSE
“When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He.” (John8:28)
please emphasis
Introduction: The Church’s cherishing of the Cross.
U The Coptic Orthodox Church celebrates two feasts of the Cross every year. One lasts for 3 days starting on 17th of Tut till the 19th and is the first feast in the new Coptic year. The second is on the 10th of Baramhat. The first feast is in remembrance of the inauguration of the Church of the Holy Cross which was built by Queen Helen, the mother of Emperor Constantine. The second feast is on the occasion, of the findings of the Cross by Queen Helen.
U The Cross is placed at the highest point whether inside or outside of the church. No Christian home lacks the Cross of our Savior. A lot of Christians have the sign of the Cross tattooed on their arms or carry it on a chain around their necks. In the Canonical prayers of the Horlogian, the prayers of the sixth and of the ninth hours are in remembrance of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and of His giving up the Ghost.
U In the sixths hour’s passage we say, “O Thou who was nailed on the Cross on the sixth day and in the sixth hour because of the sin which our father Adam committed in paradise …”
U In the ninth hour passage we pray and say “O thou who hast tasted bodily death in the Ninth hour for our sake, we the sinners …” Thus, the hours of the Saviour’s crucifixion and of His intense passion for our sake have become the subject of our prayers. They inspire the worshippers with peace and make them feel the warmth and the depth of God’s love.
U Also in practicing the seven sacraments, a priest makes the sign of the Cross several times to get the blessing of our God, Jesus Christ. The reason is that we have gotten all the heavenly blessings entailed on all the sacraments through the great sacrifice that Christ has accomplished on the Cross.
U The Cross is carried by the priests at all times, they bless the congregation with it. We kiss the Cross out of love for it. We use it to decorate our icons, and we even sing hymns about it.
U We have powerful slogans about the Cross such as: “There is no Christianity without a Cross”… “A spirit without the Cross is like a bride without a groom”… “I find not only comfort but also pride in the Cross.”
Why is all this endearment for the cross?
The Church’s choice of the readings during the 3 days of the Feast of the Cross, which has been inspired by the Holy Spirit, makes the answer quite clear. The reasons for the Christians cherishing of the Cross are as follows:
1) God’s profound love has manifested itself on the Cross. 2) The greatness and divinity of the Crucified. 3) Even since the Old Testament’s era the Cross had continued to be a sign of conquering the Devil. 4) The sacrifice on the Cross purifies Man (The extended sacrifice). 5) The Cross is a way of life that leads to Heaven.
Let us, with the help of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, contemplate the five previous points guided by the readings of the Holy Church.
1) God’s profound love has manifested itself on the Cross.
On the eve of the first day of the Feast of the Cross we read:
(Psalm 4:6-9) “Lord, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us. You have put gladness in my heart…I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
(John 8:28-42): “Then Jesus said to them, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My father taught me, I speak these things and He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.” As He spoke those words, many believed in Him. Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed in Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free”. They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say “you will be made free”? Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin and a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever.” “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. I know that you are Abraham’s descendants, but you seek to kill Me, because My word has no place in you. I speak what I have seen with My Father, and you do what you have seen with your father.” They answered and said to Him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would do the works of Abraham, but now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth which I heard form God. Abraham did not do this. You do the deeds of your father” Then they said to Him, “We are not born of fornication; we have one Father – God” Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come to myself, but He sent Me.”
Hence, on the Cross, is God’s love in its greatest and most profound forms. He says: “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He …” this means that it is God Himself, incarnate in the flesh, who, on His own accord, came to redeem us on the Cross. “For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die, yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love towards us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:6-8)
The greatness of God’s love
for Man cannot be conceived by the human mind. We can realize the extent
of His love when we consider all the creatures He created for Man’s
convenience. It manifests itself in His covering of our frailties and His
protection of us, in His cure of our diseases, and in all the blessings
and gifts He endows upon us. This great divine love showed itself in its
most profound form on the Cross as it has freed man from bondage. “Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36)
How intense were God’s sufferings on the Cross because of His love for Man!! “Who Himself bore our sins in His own Body on the tree, that we, having died of sins, might live for righteousness, by whose stripes you were healed.” (1 Peter 2:24). So our church teaches us to say, in each and every prayer, “O God, have mercy!” forty one times: 39 times for the lashes, and 2 times for the crown made of thorns and the stab of the spear. So that God’s love, made manifest by His sufferings for our sake, can remain fixed in our minds. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
The sufferings endured and the sacrifice made on the Cross – these were accomplished by the Son, the Word incarnate, with the utmost joy, “Jesus … for the joy that was set before Him endured the Cross, despising the shame…” (Hebrews 12:2)
Why did Christianity spread so far and wide? The secret is in God’s wondrous love as manifest in its clearest form on the Cross. This is contrary to heathenism, for example which spread through threats, violence and cruelty. Nebuchadnezzar for example, made an image of gold and whoever did not fall down and worship it was cast into the midst of a burning furnace. Christianity, however, was founded on and spread through God’s love which was manifest on the Cross.
2) The Greatness And Divinity Of The Crucified.
The liturgy of the 1st day of the Feast of the Cross:
(Psalm 65:1-2) “Praise is awaiting You, O God, in Zion; and to You the vow shall be performed O You who hear prayer, to You all flesh will come. Hallelujah.”
(John 10:22-28). “Now it was the feast of Dedication in Jerusalem and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch. Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, “How long do You keep us in doubt? If you are the Christ tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you did not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of Me. But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to me is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and My Father are one.” Then the Jews took up stones again and to stone Him. Jesus answered them, “Many good works I have shown you from My Father. For which of those works do you stone Me?” The Jews answered Him, saying, “For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy, and because You, being a Man, make Yourself God.” Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your law, “I said, You are gods”? If He called them gods, to whom the work God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken), do you say of Him whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, “You are blaspheming’ because I said, “I am the Son of God”? If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me, believe the works, that you know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him.” Glory be to God for ever.
The Cross derives its strength from the greatness of the Crucified and the greatness of the event that took place on the Cross. So, the readings of the Church on this feast speak about the greatness of the crucified: “The Father is in Me, and I am in Him.” “Believe the works that I do”.
Who was then Crucified?
Is He like Moses the prophet, or Joshua the son of Nun or David the Prophet? Definitely not! He is not like the other prophets. God incarnate in the flesh is our Lord Jesus Christ who went to be crucified of his own accord saying: “I have the power to lay it down and I have the power to take it again.” During Pilate’s trial of Christ, Pilate said to Him, “Do you not know that I have the power to crucify you, and the power to release you?. Jesus answered, “You could have not power at all against Me unless it had been given to you from above.”
Can you dear reader, do the same and face the devil saying “You have no power over me?” Yes, you certainly can; provided you live as son to Christ and are close to Him for He has said, “I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by means hurt you.”
When the troops came to lay hands on Christ in Gethsemane Garden, He came forward to them and said, “I am He”. He did not try to run away or flee as they had imagined he would. He is God the incarnate in the flesh who has come to offer salvation for everyone.
Christ was hoisted on the Cross by His own free will. His power became manifest. So, the Church sings this beautiful hymn: “Holy is God who has achieved in weakness what is greater than strength.” This means that Jesus, on the Cross, made miracles greater than the miracles He made before crucifixion. The earth quaked, there was darkness on the whole land. The veil of the temple was torn into two from top to bottom and the rocks were split. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” He looked at the criminal on His right and said, “Today, you will be with Me in Paradise” By declaring that, He opened the gates of paradise.
A Short Story:
One day I visited a member of my congregation in his office which was frequented by a lot of people daily. On the wall there was a big Cross hanging which drew my attention. When I entered another room, I saw another big Cross hanging on the wall. In my inner self I wondered how that man was not afraid. But he told me that it was our Lord’s Cross that protected him. It is the Cross that annihilates all the powers of the Devil as he remembers that he was vanquished by means of the Cross. St. Paul the Apostle said, “But God forbid that I should boast except in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The Cross is, indeed, the pride of all Christians, for in it is all of Christ’s love.
A Short Story:
I met with a person who was troubled and worried. During our talk I asked him if he believed in the existence of God. He replied that he did. So I told him that if he ever came to the church and did not see Christ on the Cross with His arms opened for everyone, then he should be troubled, worried and scared. Each time you see Christ on the Cross you find Him with His arms opened for you. He says “I have loved you with an everlasting love” “Come to Me all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Whenever you look at the Cross and see Christ’s wide arms, embrace your worries and your anxieties will vanish. “Greater love has not one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” Christ was crucified to redeem each and every one of us.
Father Bishoy Kamel used to teach us to look at the Cross for long periods of time, so that it can be imprinted in our inner selves and inspire us with serenity and peace of mind.
3) The sign of the Cross as a sign of victory over the Devil even since the Old Testament.
(Psalm 99:5-9), “Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at His footstool, he is Holy…Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at His holy hill; for the Lord our God is Holy.” Hallelujah!
(John 4:19-24) “The Woman said to Him, “Sir I perceive that you are a prophet. Our fathers worshipped on this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship.” Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews, but the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” Glory be to God forever.
The salvation accomplished on the Cross is an eternal one for all nations and all generations at all times. “For God so loved the world “All the world” St. Paul says: “How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?” i.e. if you lead your life without enjoying the salvation achieved by Christ on the Cross, you are a Christian only by name.
Those of us who do not think of the Cross are Christians only by name. Those who do not draw the sign of the Cross are Christians by name. And those of us who cannot visualize God’s love on the Cross are also Christians by name only.
Our salvation from the Devil’s slavery has been achieved on the Cross, making us cherish the Cross. “For the message of the Cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being it is the power of God.”
What is the salvation achieved by Christ on the Cross? How can I understand this salvation? And what did Christ save me from? To understand that salvation, the Holy Bible tells us about the deliverance of the children of Israel from their slavery in the land of Egypt. God’s saving act represents the salvation achieved by Christ on the Cross. The Book of Exodus mentions this story, which is symbolic to the deliverance of the human soul form the Devil’s slavery. The children of Israel spent almost 430 years in slavery doing forced labour in the land of Egypt. And who had the power to deliver a slave who could be sold and bought in the land of Egypt? It is an extremely difficult task. But God almighty is all powerful and nothing is beyond His power.
God took the children of Israel out of Egypt and ended their bondage with His mighty arm. Hence, never despair and never lack courage. A true Christian always has the feeling that God backs him or her. Those who fear are those who are away from God and do not rely on Him. But those who rely on God know that He is able to redeem them from their sins. But what if I had a lot of sins? What if I tell lies, swear, have lusts and a lot of evil – can God redeem me too? Yes, he has offered us salvation by the sacrifice on the Cross exactly as he had delivered the children of Israel from bondage in the land of Egypt. With a mighty arm, he freed them from the grip of the Egyptians who were a symbol of the Devil. God can free you from disease, from sin and from all your troubles. The tenth plague that God brought upon Pharaoh was the death of the firstborn. God told the children of Israel that each family should bring lamb, kill it and sprinkle some of its blood on the two door-posts and the lintel of their house. That blood was a symbol of Christ’s Blood. So when the angel of Death passed through the land of Egypt on that night, he struck all the first born of the Egyptians. But he passed over the houses of the children of Israel who had the sign of the blood, because the blood is the symbol of Christ’s Blood. Then Pharaoh told the children of Israel to go out from among His people. So they did, carrying with them the articles of silver and the articles of gold they had acquired from the Egyptians. That exodus is a symbol of the freeing of the human spirit from the hold of the Devil. However, no matter how weak I may be, God can save me from the Devil, and He has indeed redeemed me on the Cross.
St. Paul the Apostle relates the two incidents – the exodus and the blood – as this is essential for our creed. Christ came and redeemed us with His Blood. St. Paul says, “For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.” Some sect do not place Christ’s Cross in their churches. What do you think of a church without a Cross and without an altar? It is not really a church!
Christ spoke to the Samaritan woman about salvation: “for Salvation is of the Jews” Salvation and the Cross form the core of Christianity. God enables them to Cross the Red Sea after He had saved them by the sign of the Blood. So, even the sacrament of baptism is completed only through the Blood of Christ. This applies to all the other sacraments. Had Christ not paid the price and shed His blood for us, the sacraments would not have existed. All the gifts of God and the sacraments are obtained through Christ’s Blood, “and I, if I am lifted up form the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone, but if it dies, it produces much grain.” This is also an analogy to the Cross. The grain of wheat is very small and worthless. The wind may blow it away, but if buried in the ground, it is affected by the soil and starts to grow. So, you too, must labour to achieve any successful work. Success is not achieved except through labour, strife, and perseverance in the practical and spiritual life. You have to work hard.
How many people believed at the time of Christ’s crucifixion? Only a few. But after the crucifixion Christianity spread throughout the whole world thanks to the power of the Cross.
Christianity did not spread through violence, as some other religions did. It did not spread through threats, or by forcing those who do not adhere to it to pay ransom or money. It spread because of Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross to redeem us. “How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?” Father Bishoy Kamel used to say that we should cherish the Cross and think of Christ’s Cross, of those arms that are extended to embrace all of us. “Come to Me, all of you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Many people come to the church, at times other than those of the holy liturgy, to look at the Cross. It inspires them with peace and serenity as it reminds them of God’s love manifested on the Cross.
All the church’s sacraments end with the Eucharist. A person is baptized and anointed with the Crisma Oil first, then he or she partakes of the Holy Communion. All the church’s sacraments are derived from the redemption achieved by Christ on the Cross.
Also a deacon, priest or bishop is ordained first during the holy liturgy (the sacrament of the holy orders) and then partakes of the Holy Communion. The original rite of the sacrament of Matrimony was carried out after the morning raising of incense during the liturgy. The bride and groom received the sacrament of matrimony first, and then that of the Eucharist.
“For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. Therefore, let us keep the feast” (1 Corin 5:7). That is, let us rejoice because of the salvation achieved by Christ on the Cross. The Church cherishes the Cross and so everyone of us should not neglect such a great salvation. We should be closely related to the Cross and to the sign of the Cross in our lives. We should make the sign of the Cross, look at the Cross with our eyes, while meditating on the crucified Christ.
There is a popular book entitled “The Crucified Christ”. Reading it will send tears to your eyes because of the profound pain endured by Christ for the sake of everyone of us, to achieve our salvation and redeem us from our sins. We have to struggle hard in order to benefit form that salvation that has been freely given to us on the Cross.
The strength of the Cross is not limited to the new testament only. But in the old testament also the sign of the Cross was able to vanquish the devil and all his evil powers. In the book of Exodus Ch. 17, the sons of Israel prevailed and were victorious in their fight with Amalek as long as Moses held up his hands in the form of the Cross. In Numbers 21, anyone who had been bitten by a serpent was cured when he looked at the bronze serpent that was raised by Moses on a pole in the form of the Cross. Jesus Christ Himself mentioned this to Nicodemus (John 3:14-15). When we make the sign of the Cross, we declare our allegiance to the Crucified and our faith and belief in Him. When we make the sign of the Cross, we also acknowledge His death and resurrection and await His second advent. We make the sign of the Cross before we pray as if so say that if it were not for the Cross we could not have approached God as His children. We also make the sign of the Cross to be blessed as it is the source of all blessings. The world was under a curse and under the sentence of death because of sin. But the Crucified removed that curse on the Cross and the Cross has become a blessing for everyone who believes, and lives in virtue and becomes a part of the Body of Christ.
WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THIS LESSON?
(1) A true Christian is a peaceful and powerful individual that brings people to Christ. He or she draws all their attributes from the Holy Spirit that is working within them.
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
SEPTEMBER FIFTH SUNDAY
THE CROSS (II)AS EXPRESSED IN THE READINGS OF THE CHURCH ON THE THREE DAYS OF THE FEAST OF THE CROSS
Please read the attached articles entitled "Sacrifice", Carry your Cross, be crucified, not crucifier" and give the lesson with emphasis on the points below.
PURPOSE OF THIS LESSON
This is the second lesson in a series of two lessons about the Holy Cross as expressed in the readings of the Coptic Orthodox Church on the three days of the feast of the Cross.
MEMORY VERSE
“I am the bread of life. He who comes to me shall never hungry, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.” John 6:35
Start by reviewing the previous lesson and
proceed as follows: PLEASE EMPHASIZE
4) The sacrifice On The Cross Purifies Man (The Extended Sacrifice)
The liturgy of the second day of the Feast of the Cross:
(Psalm 145: 1-2) “I will extol you, My God O King, and I will bless Your name forever and ever. Everyday I will bless you, and I will praise Your name forever and ever.”
(John 6:35-46) “And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of Life”. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. But I said to you that you have seen Me and yet do not believe. All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day”. The Jews then complained about Him, because He said “I am the bread which came down from heaven” and they said “is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph whose father and mother we know?” How is it then the He says, “I have come down from heaven”? Jesus therefore answered and said to them, “Do not murmur among yourselves. No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, and they shall all be taught by God.” Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me not that anyone has seen the Father, except He who is from God, He has seen the Father.”
St. Paul the Apostle expresses the church’s cherishing of the Cross by saying: “But God forbid that I should boast except in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Gal. 6:14). In his preaching he also says, “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” (1 Cor. 2:2). Someone may wonder, “What is the value of the Cross?” It is more than two pieces of wood! The answer is that the real value of the Cross lies in the greatness of the crucified. The Crucified is God incarnate. He has been crucified to redeem each one of us. It is God Himself who loved us and gave Himself up for our sake. The value of the Cross is also due to the greatness of our salvation from the Devil’s bondage – the salvation that has been offered by Christ. By being crucified, Christ has completed the Divine justice. Our God is a God of love. “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore, with loving kindness I have drawn you.” But He is also a just God. A human being may do injustice to another, but the Just God sees and perceives anything. God’s justice is equal to His love. Who else could bring about God’s justice? After God created Adam and made him master of all creatures, he disobeyed God’s command. So Adam and all his offspring died through sin. As in Adam, all have died. In Christ, all live. God’s Blood is enough to redeem all generations and all the people of the world.
“You are not redeemed with corruptible things like silver or gold… but with the precious Blood of Christ, as a lamb without blemish and without spot. He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world.” The sacrifice on the Cross is and everlasting offering that is true from generation to generation. We partake of it when we have the Holy Communion. This is the subject of the Bible, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.”
The extended sacrifice is the sacrifice on the Cross. It gives Man inner grace. Some may wonder “Is Christ’s crucifixion which took place 2000 years ago a finished act that has nothing to do with the present?” The answer is “NO”. The sacrifice on the Cross has an extended effect until now and that is through the sacrament of the Eucharist. So, in the Bible according to St. John, Chapter 6 our Lord Jesus Christ assures us that his offering is neither bread nor wine, but the real Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. “For My flesh is food indeed, and My Blood is drink indeed. He who eats My Flesh and drinks My Blood abides in Me, and I in him.” The sacrifice on the Cross extends throughout the generations. It purifies us and changes our inner person. “Whoever eats My Flesh and drinks My Blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.”
Some sects do not believe in this, considering it a mere symbol. How can this be? Jesus Christ asserts that it is real Flesh and real Blood. St. Paul the Apostle says, “For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My Body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same manner He also took the cup after supper saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My Blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” For often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes. Therefore, whoever eats this bread and drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the Body and Blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s Body.” (1 Cor. 11:23-19).
This is the depth of Christianity. Do you believe that the bread and wine present on the altar are real Flesh and Blood? In the Prayer of the Fraction we pray saying: Present with us on the table is Emmanuel which means “God is with us”. This is the most precious gift Christ offered us. He denied us nothing. He showed His love on the Cross. He cured and still is curing, the sick. He bandaged every wounded spirit, and still does. He helps those who are troubled, and is the hope of those in despair. But most importantly, He has given us His Flesh and Blood “Whoever eat My Flesh ….. has eternal life” so a church without an altar is not a church. It is without the core of salvation which is the offering made to redeem the world. “God so loved the world that he gave us His only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish.”
Every time we have Holy Communion we pass over from one condition to another – like the blood sprinkled on the two door-posts and lintel of the house. Through that blood they passed over form the bondage of Egypt to freedom. In one of the prayers the priest says, “Let us elevate ourselves and have a cure and salvation for our spirits, bodies and soul.” Some may refrain from having Holy Communion for years. When asked about the reason, they say they cannot sit in front of a priest and confess. Why be ashamed of confession? The same priest to whom you confess your sins, confesses his sins in front of his Father of confession. Even bishops and patriarch themselves have fathers of confession. You should take care of yourself. Confess your sins to God and to your father of confession to get absolution to partake of the sacraments and so that your father of confession may with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, tell you how to improve your spiritual life.
A Short Story:
A man, who had a doctoral degree refused to confess because the priest of the village was an uneducated elderly person. The man had so many trials that he almost lost his mind. Some of his relatives advised him to go and talk to the priest. He objected saying “How can I talk to that elderly priest who knows nothing? After a while he got so overwhelmed with his troubles and decided to talk to the priest after all. He voiced all his troubles crying. After listening attentively to him, the priest advised him to go and alleviate his burdens. By that the priest meant that he was heavily ladened with concerns and worries, and what avails man if he wins all the world and loses himself?
Some people have heart attacks in the midst of the night. Why? Because they are heavily laden with burdens all day. The heart may endure them for some time, but finally the heart cannot bear it. God loves us and sacrificed Himself for us, and gave us His Flesh and Blood so that He be steadfast in us and we in Him. All of Christ’s offerings and all His love are transferred to us through the sacrament of the Eucharist and so are Christ’s personality and all His power.
Was our Lord a loving God? He was certainly loving as He used to go about doing good. A person who partakes of the Holy Communion regularly and with reverence likewise has the power of love in his heart. Christ was full of compassion. He stood with the woman who was caught in adultery, in the very act, and said, “He who is without a sin among you let him throw a stone at her first.” Many a time we judge and condemn others for forgetting God’s word, “First remove the plank form your eye and then you will see clearly to remove the speck form your bother’s eye.” God fills the heart of the person who partakes of the Holy Communion with love and compassion. Saint Rueiss regarded the Holy altar with the greatest reverence. He used to tremble each time he had communion. When asked about the reason for his trembling and fears, he replied, “Can not you see the altar brightly illuminated and the heavenly hosts and the Seraphim and Cherubim standing about?” Thus, some can see the altar with the angels while others have their eyes closed and can see nothing … They wonder all the time if this is a real altar and if this is a real offering! How pitiable are they?
As for St. Rueiss, his heart was full of love and compassion as he was steadfast in his love for Christ. Jesus Christ is all love and compassion and anyone who tastes the sweetness of the Flesh and Blood tastes the sweetness of the love and compassion of Christ. What do you say of a poor person who goes about to sell salt on his camel and then gives the money as alms to the poor? When you receive the Holy Communion do you taste the sweetness of His Flesh and Blood? Is Christ’s love and compassion and mercy are transmitted to you so your heart in turn is filled with love. You may hear someone say, “I have been insulted. My pride and dignity have been hurt!” But the Bible says, “Bless those who curse you.” Where is Christ then? And where is the Holy Communion?
Christ rose from the dead and by doing so he defeated Death. A person who partakes of the Holy Communion cannot be defeated by death. So when a sick person is about to die, we hasten to ask a priest to administer the Eucharist to him. During communion we take God’s real Flesh and Blood “Whoever eats My Flesh has eternal life and I will raise him up the last day.” So the communion means resurrection from death.
A Short Story: A person in Alexandria used to put off taking the Holy Communion. He didn’t want to confess because he found repentance difficult. His wife used to tell him that partaking of the Holy Communion cannot be put off. He did not listen to her and went putting it off until he fell seriously ill. He asked his wife to ask the priest to come to him so that he can have the Holy Communion. But, unfortunately, when the priest arrived the man had breathed his last breath a few moments before.
That man wasted his whole life and did not abide in Christ. “I am the vine and you are the branches.” We are like these branches that get the sap from the tree. A person who does not partake of the Holy Communion regularly dries up like a branch that is cut off form the tree. It withers and dies. “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” Such a tree does not have the sap which is Christ’s Flesh and Blood. A person who examines himself and who partakes regularly and with the readiness of the Holy Communion has his share in eternal life. John the beholder, saw them in heaven, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the lamb.” Anyone who does not understand this is a Christian only by name. If you do not believe in the sweetness of the Holy and in the power of the Cross of our Saviour, then you are a Christian only by name. You have not entered to the depth nor have you benefited from God’s salvation.
You must believe that God has given you eternal life. “Whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” If you do not have faith, you will still rise on doomsday, but you will not have any share in eternal life. Instead you will hear, “Depart from Me you cursed ones, I do not know you.”
God loved us and gave us His Body and Blood to live by them. So, do not put off repentance, communion or true life with Christ. For it is written if you hear His voice do not harden your hearts.
5) The Cross Is A Way Of Life That Leads To Heaven
The liturgy of the third day of the feast of the Cross.
(Psalm 61:2-5) “lead me to the rock than is higher that I for you have been shelter for me, a strong tower from the enemy. For you, O God have heard my vows. You gave me the heritage of those who fear Your name.” Hallelujah.
The Gospel according to Luke 14:25-35. “Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his Cross and comes after Me cannot be My disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it, lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, “This man began to build and was not able to finish! Or what king going to make war against another king does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple. Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land nor the dunghill, but men throw it out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”
Jesus Christ glory to Him, does not care for multitudes nor does He want to deceive anyone into joining Christianity. He was very frank and declared that if you want to follow Him you have to bear your Cross. He wanted to sort people out, a person who does not really care for heaven and eternal life is afraid of the Cross, the hardship, the cost of following Christ and having to give up all his wealth. Whoever “does not hate his father and mother … cannot be my disciple” Not only that, but he also has to bear his Cross (the sign of shame). What does bearing the Cross mean? It means accepting hardships and enduring oppression in order to keep the faith. “All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” It also means keeping such commandments as “Bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you and whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.”
Is this too much of a cost? Is bearing the Cross possible? The story of Christianity shows that bearing the Cross is possible, if the heavenly grace works within us. A lot of people have borne it. But without heavenly grace, it is impossible to bear it. Jesus Christ said, “Without me you can do nothing.” Can I fight the Devil using my own strength only? Never. But “those who are with us are more than those who are against us.” Peter the Apostle alone failed to keep his promise when he assured Christ that he could not possibly deny Him. “Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble.” But when he received heavenly strength, when the Holy Spirit came upon him on the Day of the Pentecost, he preached strongly in the name of Christ. Moses the prophet, at the beginning of his service began by killing the Egyptian. This act stemmed from his own motive and was not yet supported by God’s strength. Later on he served with great strength and he became God’s tool for ending the bondage of the children of Israel and bringing them out of the land of Egypt. We cannot separate bearing the Cross in hardships and sufferings from the grace of Christ. “For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake” (Philippians 1:29). He also said, “If indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together” (Romans 8:17). Pain is the true way leading to glory. All the pains that a believer endures are for God. “The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18). In (2 Corinthians 5:14) Paul asserts “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”
WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THIS LESSON?
(1) The sacrifice on the Cross we are
redeemed. The sacrifice on the cross has an extended effect until now
through the sacrament of the Eucharist. (2) Being the Cross is possible if the heavenly grace works within us. The Lord Jesus said “without Me you can not do anything”.
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
Sacrifice By H.H. Pope Shenouda III
The love which does not sacrifice is a barren love, without fruit.
Love is a productive mother
that gives birth to numerous virtues such as compassion and affection, a
word of encouragement and a word of consolation, attention and care,
forgiveness and seeking the salvation of the soul. This is the
Perhaps the most distinguished quality in love... is sacrifice.
This is the big difference between love and lust: love always seeks to give whereas lust always seeks to take.
Lust seeks to take because it is concentrated around the self, but love, as the Apostle said," "...does not seek its own".
Love that does not sacrifice is not a true love.
Love sacrifices everything, does not keep anything from whom it likes, no matter how this thing is precious or essential to it. It gives from its needs.
The greatest thing a loving person can offer is to sacrifice himself, and the Lord said, "Greater love has no one than this, to lay down his life for his friends. " John. 15:13). This was shown in depth on the cross...
The crucified Jesus is a sacrifice of love... The Bible said,, "For God so loved the world that He gave His Only Begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. " (John 3:16).
During the Passion Week, many contemplate on the passions of Christ. Christ's passions are merely a natural result of His love. Love here is the origin, while pain is the outer appearance...
I wish we would contemplate on His love which He revealed through His passions.
The candle melts to give light to others; this is also a kind of self-sacrifice for the sake of others. So, we put candles before the icons of the saints... as a symbol. Also the incense burns in fire to give sweet smell which ascends to God... it is a delightful burnt offering to God, and it is also a symbol...
CARRY YOUR CROSS... BE CRUCIFIED, NOT A CRUCIFIER By H.H. Pope Shenouda III
If you are crucified, be assured that God will be with you, restoring your right completely, if not in this world, then in Heaven.
But if you are a crucifier of others, surely God will be against you, till He restores others' right from you, and punish you...
If you crucify others, it
means that there is an evil element of attack and violence in you. These
are all different aspects of injustice that do not agree with the
But if you are crucified, especially for the sake of truth or faith, be confident that any pain you suffer is counted by God. It has its crown in Heaven and its blessing on earth...
Be sure that Heaven is completely on your side: God, the Angels, and the Saints...
All those who follow what is right, suffer for its sake.
All those who remained firm in faith, paid a price for their faith...
The history of martyrs has many stories of those whose blood was shed for the sake of their faith... Our history, in particular, is full of such stories...
Anyone can be violent, but it does not prove idealism. Injustice is easy and within the reach of anyone but there is no religion that agrees with it...
Therefore, keep your idealism and temper and carry your cross. The falsity that frightens you will never remain forever...
The Lord Jesus who tasted the bitterness of pain and endured the cross, is able to help those who suffer and are crucified at any time and in any place...
Look at the picture of Jesus crucified, you will be comforted.
Be confident that after Calvary, there are the glories of Resurrection... God saw the blood of Naboth the Jezreelite being shed and He did not remain silent. His reaction was strong...
Therefore, "Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!" (Ps 27:14)
If you are crucified, Christ will be by your side... He will see His image in you... Be then an image of Christ.
OCTOBERFIRST SUNDAY
THE DOCTRINES OF THE COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH OF ALEXANDRIA - ( I )
Please read the attached material entitled “The Role of the Bible.” (Read the materials in the class, if you wish, and explain as you go along), the attached article entitled “Your relationship with The Holy Bible” and give the lesson with emphasis on the points below.
PURPOSE OF THIS LESSON
This is lesson one in a series of 5 lessons on the basic foundations of the Doctrines of our Coptic Orthodox Church. In this lesson we focus on the importance of the Holy Bible.
MEMORY VERSE
“…If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book…”Rev. 22:18-19
PLEASE EMPHASIZE
|
