COR KIDS · ATHLETES OF CHRIST
Dedication
The quick story
St. Habib Guirguis loved Jesus and wanted children to know Him, too. Born in Egypt in 1876, he grew into a teacher who devoted his life to serving the Church. He studied at the Coptic seminary, a school that prepares people for church service, and later became its leader. He also wrote books to help others understand their faith.
Habib saw that children needed time and help to learn about God. He helped build the Sunday School movement, where young people could discover the Bible, love the Church, and practise following Jesus. He believed that caring for children and young people could strengthen the whole Church for the future.
His life reminds us that sharing what we know can be a gift of love. We can listen carefully, ask questions, and help someone else learn. When a friend needs extra practice, we can encourage them patiently. Like St. Habib, we can use our gifts to serve God and others.
Explore the life
PART 1
1. A student becomes a teacher
Habib entered the newly opened Coptic seminary in 1893. He later taught there and became its head in 1918. For many years, he helped prepare people to serve the Church. Learning became a way for him to help others.
PART 2
2. Making room for children
Many children were not receiving enough Christian teaching at school. Habib helped organize Sunday School so they could learn about their faith. Its purpose included loving the Bible, taking part in church life, and putting Christian love into practice.
PART 3
3. Helping teachers teach
Habib prepared a shared programme of lessons for Sunday School. He also brought teachers together to think about how children learn. He wanted lessons to shape everyday behaviour, so children could live what they learned about love.
PART 4
4. Sharing faith through books and songs
His teaching reached beyond a classroom. Habib wrote books used by seminary students and composed church songs. Words on a page and words sung together could help people learn. His work gave other teachers resources to share with their students.
PART 5
5. Helping people learn to read
Habib also cared about education in villages. He supported evening classes where children and adults could learn to read and write. These skills helped people read the Bible and other books, as well as helping them in everyday life.
PART 6
6. A life the Church remembers
St. Habib departed in 1951. In 2013, the Coptic Orthodox Church officially recognized his sainthood. We remember his dedication to teaching and service. His example invites us to think about how our own abilities could help someone else.
PART 7
7. Look closely at your card
Find the open Bible and the children in the illustration. How do they help tell his story? Now think of someone who helps you learn about Jesus. What could you say to thank them? This is a reflection activity for you.
PART 8
8. Your turn: be a patient helper
Choose one thing you know how to do. Ask a friend whether they would like your help learning it. Explain one small step, let them try, and encourage their effort. You could pray, "Lord Jesus, help me share what I know with kindness."
Think about it
Your teammate is struggling to learn a skill. Which response follows St. Habib's example: showing off, giving up on them, or explaining patiently and helping them practise?
Tap to discover the answer
Explain patiently and help them practise! St. Habib used his knowledge to help others grow. Show one step at a time, listen to their questions, and celebrate their effort. At church, you can also share something you learned in Sunday School.
Try it today
Learn, share, encourage: ask your Sunday School teacher one thoughtful question. At home, share what you learned with your family. Then help a friend or teammate practise something, using patient words and giving them time to try.
May the prayers of the saints be with us. Amen.