COR KIDS · ATHLETES OF CHRIST
Steadfastness
The quick story
St. Marina was a young woman from Antioch. Her parents were not Christians, but after her mother died, a Christian caregiver raised her and taught her about Jesus. Marina grew to love Christ and learned about people who had remained faithful to Him through persecution.
A governor tried to persuade Marina to worship idols, offering her rewards and then threatening her. She clearly declared that she was a Christian. Even when she was imprisoned, she continued to pray. The Coptic Synaxarium tells of God strengthening and healing her, and of her deliverance from a frightening serpent through prayer and the sign of the cross.
Marina remained faithful and died as a martyr. The Coptic Church remembers her on Abib 23. Her story teaches steadfastness: holding to what is right even when we feel pressured. We can learn from her by praying, choosing honesty, and asking a trusted adult for help when a situation feels frightening or unsafe.
Explore the life
PART 1
Learning to love Jesus
Marina’s parents were not Christians. After her mother died, a Christian caregiver raised her and taught her the faith.
PART 2
Faith under pressure
The governor tried promises and threats to make Marina abandon Christ. She continued to confess her faith and pray.
PART 3
Understanding the serpent
The Synaxarium tells of a frightening serpent and Marina’s deliverance through prayer and the sign of the cross. The small serpent on this card recalls that Church tradition and represents evil overcome through Christ.
PART 4
Your training in steadfastness
Steadfastness means holding to what is right. Prayer, honesty and fair play are ways to practise it. Ask for help when a choice feels difficult.
Think about it
What can you do when someone asks you to make a wrong choice?
Tap to discover the answer
Pause, ask Jesus for help, and choose what is right. You can say no kindly and ask a trusted adult for support.
Try it today
Play fairly even if someone suggests cheating. Encourage your team to tell the truth and follow the rules.
May the prayers of the saints be with us. Amen.