45 - St. Samuel - Persecuted For His Faith
In the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, One God, Amen
Lesson No. ( 45 )
References:
Sinaxarium Kiahk 8.
Notes for Servants
i Contemplate how this saint was honest and how he suffered for faith. Thank the Lord as He has not given you such a cross to carry.
i Ask for more love so that your eye may become simple as Samuel's eye and in this way you can use it in studying the Holy Scripture and be ready to endure all the pains for the Lord Christ. i Do not grieve when you see divisions here and there, pray for the unity of the church.
Objectives
General: The heroism of those who struggled for faith.
Specific:
The children will be able to ...
- Know how saints become an image of the Lord in their lives.
- Understand that Christianity is not only coming to church Sunday, but it is a daily life we have to live.
- Learn how to live as Christians everyday.
Bible Verse
"Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection."
(Hebrews 11:35)
Teaching Aids
The picture of Anba Samuel.
Instruction
(1) Review last week's lesson.
(2) Who remembers the verse?
(3) Remind the children about the church occasions for the coming week.
(4) Teacher should prepare the appropriate questions to emphasize the objectives during the lesson.
Story Time
This saint was born in Milceg el Nassara in the Sixth century of a holy priest and a pious mother. They brought him up in holiness and the love for the poor. The Lord had given them this son when they were old... He began to grow in prayer and fasting. He refused to marry and decided to become a monk and his parents were pleased. His mother died and his father saw a vision... "Your son will be a monk. He will struggle and suffer for faith." The man rejoiced. Then he died. Samuel distributed his money among the poor and went to the monastery where he became a disciple to St. Agatho. He led an angelic life full of modesty and godliness. He used to pray and fast. When Anba Agatho fell ill, he served him till he departed in peace. Samuel increased his struggle and worship. The Lord gave him the gifts of healing sick people and casting out demons... and he became famous.
In the days of Benjamin, the king sent his soldiers to force monks to obey him. They carried with them the Tome of Leo. (What is it?) But Anba Samuel tore it into pieces and cast it outside the church, so the captain ordered his soldiers to beat him. They gave him a good beating and his blood shed and they struck his eye and it was destroyed. His disciples were sad and sorryfor him. The Lord's angel appeared to him and led him to Kalamon Monastery in Fayoum desert. He lived there and his aroma spread. People came to him to be healed and received his blessing. When he became tired of the people, he built up a separated far away cavern and he used to go to the monastery on Saturday evening and on Sunday morning to receive the Holy Communion.
One year later, the king persecuted the monks once more. He sent his soldiers and they struck the monks severely. St. Samuel was was cruelly beaten and he was about to die. Then they left him... Some days later, the Barbarians came to Kalamon, and the Lord commanded him to hide himself in the church and he hid himself but he saw the Barbarians defile the sanctuary, so he went out and reproached them. They gave him a good beating, captured him and took him to their country where he refused to bow down to their idols. They tied him to a tree and left him there for five days without food or water. Then they let him go to Kalamonwhen they saw his miracles. The devils fought him because of his great power and piety. He reached the age of 96 years. He fell ill for eight days and departed in peace in Kiahk 8 and the monastery was filled with incense and aroma. May is Intercession be with us. Amen.
Discussion
1 - Follow up the story by talking about it with the children.
2 - Continue the discussion while they do the activity.
Learning Activities
Activity Sheet.
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