46 - St. Macarius - His Toil For The Faith
In the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, One God, Amen
Lesson No. ( 46 )
References:
Sinaxarium Babah 27.
Notes for Servants
i St. Macarius was a bishop who saw well to his work and earnestly served his bishopric. Whenever he preached his people, he wept. He used to listen to the Lord's word that guided him. The angels helped him to stay awake. Do you serve your class in the same spirit?
i The time of death was the hope of our grandfathers as their love for Christ, and their faith in eternity. They were holding fast to the True faith, which was more precious than the whole world.
Objectives
General: The child should be accustomed to going to confession.
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
"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness. " ( 2 Timothy 4:7,8 )
Teaching Aids
The picture of the three Macarius.
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) We have to endure pains and persecutions for true faith. We have to defend our creed till death.
(5) Teacher should prepare the appropriate questions to emphasize the objectives during the lesson.
Story Time
St. Macarius was a verysimple person... He lived in the fifth century. When the Patriarch saw that he was a good hearted man, he ordained him Bishop of Edko (or Kaw) in Upper Egypt. He cared about his people very well. Whenever he preached to the people he wept. They asked him, "Why do you weep?" He said, "Because the Lord shows me the sins ofthe people and their works when I speak to you so I weep and pray for youand ask the Lord to help you to repent." Once, he saw the Lord Christ in the sanctuary (Describe the feelings of the saint when this glorious revelation was announced)
The Lord was surrounded with his angels who were offering Him the works of the people one by one. St. Macarius heard a voice saying, "Why do you neglect your people and not preach them?" He said, "Lord, they do not accept my words." The Lord said, "Preach to them so that they may be responsible for themselves and in this way you rescue yourself." He never stopped teaching his people with tears during the Masses, the vigils and the visits. (Questions)
In those days a great council was held. It was the Council of Chalecdonia - Bishops from everywhere inthe world attended it. The king and the western Bishops held it in Rome and other cities to condemn Anba Dioscorus the great Patriarchbecause he refused to change the texts ofthe Creed and they wanted to take revenge... He took St. Macarius, Bishop of Ekdo with him. This bishop used to wear simple clothes. While they were on the ship, one of the sailors' son was a one-eyed boy and his other eye was not well. The boy pushed the saint without intention. The boy apologized saying that his eyesight was weak. The saint made the sign of the cross on the blind eye and healed it. They boy said to him the other eye is not well, so the saint made the sign of the cross and the other eye was healed and all those on the ship rejoiced. When he reached the palace to attend the council the guards refused to let him enter as they doubted he might not be a bishop because of his simplicity but St. Dioscorus let him enter and told the guards about his several miracles. (Questions)
The conference began its work. - The western bishop attacked St. Dioscorus saying wrong things about faith - St. Macarius rose and defended the true faith that we received from the saints - The wicked king excommunicated him and sent St. Dioscorus and St. Macarius into exile in the Isle of Gagra. But they rejoiced as they found joy in exile and sufferings. The queen struck St. Dioscorus on the face - with the result that one of his molars was broken. She also depilated (pulled off) his beard. But the two saints stood firm in faith and lived in their exile. Some time later St. Dioscorus sent him with a trader to Alexandria and said to him, "This is a crown of martyrdom to you..." The king's messenger came with the decision taken by the Council ofChalcedomand the Tome of Leo - Macarius refused to sign them, so the kings messenger kicked him between the legs and he fell down dead. The Christians came and buried him with the two bodies of John the Baptist and Prophet Elisha. (Questions)
Exercise: When a person asks me: Are you a Christian? I shall say: Yes I am and I am ready to endure pains for Christ.
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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