COR KIDS · ATHLETES OF CHRIST
Faithfulness
The quick story
St. Mina was raised in the Christian faith by parents who taught him to love God. The Coptic Synaxarium remembers him continuing to pray and worship even after receiving an important position. When the emperor ordered people to worship idols, Mina left that position and went into the desert to devote himself to God.
Later, he returned and openly declared that he followed Jesus. The authorities offered honours and gifts to change his mind. When those failed, they threatened him. Mina remained faithful and died as a martyr, someone killed for keeping the Christian faith.
The Church calls him the Wonderworker because its accounts describe many ways God helped people through his prayers. The camels in his pictures recall the Coptic tradition that camels carrying his body would not leave the resting place God had chosen in the Maryut region. Christians still honour him there. Mina's story encourages us to treasure our faith and stay faithful when doing the right thing is difficult.
Explore the life
PART 1
Growing in faith
Mina’s parents taught him the Christian faith. St-Takla’s account describes him as a young army officer who gave generously to people in need before leaving military life to devote himself to God.
PART 2
A faithful witness
Mina returned from the desert and confessed that he followed Christ. The authorities tried to change his mind, but he remained faithful. The Church commemorates his martyrdom on Hator 15.
PART 3
Why the camels?
The Coptic Synaxarium tells how camels carrying Mina’s body would not leave its resting place in the Maryut region. Camels in his pictures recall this Church tradition.
PART 4
Remembered with love
The Church’s accounts describe God helping and healing people through Mina’s prayers. This is why he is called the Wonderworker. St-Takla also remembers Pope Kyrillos VI’s part in rebuilding his monastery at Maryut.
Think about it
What helped St. Mina stay faithful when doing the right thing was hard?
Tap to discover the answer
He loved Jesus and made time for prayer. We can ask God for help and choose what is right too.
Try it today
Play fairly, even when nobody is watching. Encourage a teammate who is finding the game difficult.
May the prayers of the saints be with us. Amen.