COR KIDS · ATHLETES OF CHRIST
Prayerfulness
The quick story
Before he was Pope Kyrillos VI, he was a young Egyptian man named Azer Ata. He left his job to become a monk and received the name Mina. He wanted to give his life to Jesus. For a time, he lived in an old windmill near Cairo, where he could pray quietly. Later, he helped students who needed somewhere to stay while they studied.
In 1959, Father Mina became the 116th Pope of Alexandria. His new responsibility was enormous, but prayer still shaped his day. He prayed the Church's services, remembered the Psalms, and welcomed people who needed comfort and guidance. He made time for them because their worries mattered to him.
The Church remembers him as a man of prayer through whom God worked miracles. His story invites us to bring our worries to Jesus and care for the people around us. We can begin today with a short prayer and one thoughtful act of kindness.
Explore the life
PART 1
1. Azer becomes Father Mina
Azer was born in 1902. His father was a deacon, someone who serves in church. As a young man, Azer worked for a shipping company in Alexandria. He later entered El-Baramous Monastery and became a monk in 1928, taking the name Mina. In 1931, he became a priest.
PART 2
2. A windmill becomes a place of prayer
Father Mina loved spending quiet time with God. He lived for a while in an old windmill near Cairo. It was a simple place, but he filled his time with prayer. The windmill on his card reminds us of this part of his life. We can make a little quiet time for God at home, too.
PART 3
3. A home for students
When students came to Cairo to study, some needed a place to live. Father Mina helped provide a home for them near his church. He even cleaned their rooms and washrooms himself, quietly and without asking for praise. Helping with an ordinary chore was one way he showed extraordinary love.
PART 4
4. A pope who welcomed people
When he became pope in 1959, Father Mina received the name Kyrillos VI. He patiently welcomed people who came for a blessing, even when the crowds were large. Being a leader meant caring for people. Think about your own team: how could you help someone feel welcome and included?
PART 5
5. Prayer throughout the day
Prayer was at the centre of his daily life. He prayed hymns and the Divine Liturgy, then prayed with people who came to see him. He knew the Psalms well and used their words when praying for others. His example encourages us to speak to God in happy moments and difficult ones.
PART 6
6. Helping the Church grow
During his years as pope, the new Saint Mark's Cathedral in Cairo and Saint Mina's Monastery at Mariout became important places of worship. Coptic churches also grew in countries including Canada and Australia. His service helped families far from Egypt continue worshipping together and teaching their children about Jesus.
PART 7
7. Remembering a man of prayer
Pope Kyrillos departed to be with the Lord in 1971. The Coptic Synaxarium remembers him on Amshir 30 and tells of God's gift of miracles through him, including after his departure. In the Church, we ask the saints to pray for us. Their lives help point us toward Jesus.
PART 8
8. Your turn: pray, notice, help
Choose someone to pray for today. Then notice one way you could help them: share supplies, listen patiently, or invite them to join a game. You could pray, 'Lord Jesus, please care for my friend and help me love them.' This is an activity for us to practise, inspired by Pope Kyrillos's life.
Think about it
Father Mina helped students find a home. What quiet job did he also do for them, and what does it teach us?
Tap to discover the answer
He cleaned their rooms and washrooms himself, without seeking praise. He shows us that serving Jesus includes ordinary jobs. You can follow his example by helping tidy up or caring for someone, even when nobody is watching.
Try it today
Before your next game or school day, pray: "Lord Jesus, help me notice someone who needs kindness." Then encourage a teammate, welcome someone who is alone, or help tidy up. At bedtime, thank God for that person.
May the prayers of the saints be with us. Amen.