COR KIDS · ATHLETES OF CHRIST
Joyful Service
The quick story
Father Mina Aboud loved the hymns of the Coptic Church. He learned them in Aswan and later helped others learn them in Cairo. Before becoming a priest, he helped prepare a book about church hymns and services and worked to establish a hymn school. He used something he loved to help other people worship God.
In 2012, he became a priest at St. Mina Church in El-Arish. The following year, he was killed in an attack. He is remembered as a martyr, and a church in Old Cairo now carries his name alongside Saint Luke's. We remember his service with love and pray for people who miss him.
His story invites us to use our own gifts to serve. Perhaps you enjoy singing, explaining things, drawing, or helping a team work together. A gift becomes a way to show love when we share it kindly. We can begin with one small act of joyful service today.
Explore the life
PART 1
1. Learning hymns in Aswan
Born in Kom Ombo in 1974, he was named Salib Aboud Sharoubim. He learned hymns at the Church of the Virgin Mary in Aswan. Think of a church hymn you know: who helped you learn it?
PART 2
2. Studying and serving in Cairo
In 1994, he moved to Cairo to study commerce at Ain Shams University. He later married Mariam. His church service began before he became a priest. We can serve God at each stage of life, too.
PART 3
3. Helping others learn
With Deacon Amir Fikry, he prepared a book about church hymns and services. He also worked on a hymn school at the Virgin Mary Church in Amiriya. Sharing what we learn can help others join in.
PART 4
4. A new ministry in El-Arish
On March 3, 2012, he was ordained a priest. He served St. Mina Church in El-Arish, North Sinai. He also served as Bishop Kozman's secretary. His life included different ways of helping the Church.
PART 5
5. Remembering Father Mina
Father Mina was killed on July 6, 2013. His burial place is at the church in Old Cairo whose name now honours both Saint Luke and the martyr Father Mina Aboud. We remember him with respect and pray for comfort for his family.
PART 6
6. What does martyr mean?
Martyr means witness. In the Church, this word describes someone who dies for their faith in Christ. Remembering a martyr directs our attention to their love for Jesus. We can honour that memory through prayer and by practising love in our own lives.
PART 7
7. Look closely at your card
Find the hymn book in the illustration. It points to Father Mina's service through church music. What would you put on a picture of yourself to show a gift you could share? Draw it, then tell someone how that gift could help another person.
PART 8
8. Your turn: learn, help, encourage
Choose one line of a hymn to learn with an adult. Ask what the words mean, and practise slowly together. If someone finds it difficult, give them time and encouragement. You could pray, "Lord Jesus, help me use what I enjoy to serve You and others."
Think about it
Father Mina shared his love of church hymns. What is one gift or skill you could use to help someone else?
Tap to discover the answer
You might help a friend learn a hymn, explain a game patiently, draw an encouraging picture, or help put supplies away. There is more than one good answer! Think about what the other person needs, and share your gift with kindness.
Try it today
Ask your family or Sunday School teacher to help you learn a short hymn and understand its words. Then do one helpful task gladly. Encourage someone who is learning with you, and thank God for the gifts you can share.
May the prayers of the saints be with us. Amen.