COR KIDS · ATHLETES OF CHRIST
Trusting God
The quick story
St. Nopher, also called Abba Nofer, began his life as a monk in a monastery. When he heard about hermits who devoted their lives to prayer in the wilderness, he wanted to learn more. He prayed for guidance, and an experienced holy man taught him how to live this special monastic life.
The Coptic Synaxarium tells us that Nopher lived for many years beside a well and a date palm in the desert. One day, St. Paphnutius came to visit. At first the visitor was frightened by Nopher's unusual appearance, but Nopher welcomed him, made the sign of the cross, and prayed the Lord's Prayer. Together they talked about God's goodness.
Nopher shared the story of his life before departing to the Lord. Paphnutius buried him and later told others about the holy man he had met. We can learn from Nopher's trust in God and his welcoming heart by making time for prayer and treating visitors kindly.
Explore the life
PART 1
Learning from other monks
Nopher first lived in a monastery. Hearing about hermits made him long for a life devoted to God in the wilderness. He prayed for guidance and found an experienced holy man who taught him. He began as a learner, receiving help from someone wiser.
PART 2
A palm tree and a well
The Synaxarium describes Nopher living beside a well and a date palm. For many years he remained in that quiet place, relying on God's care. His desert life was a special monastic calling, centred on prayer.
PART 3
Welcoming an unexpected visitor
Paphnutius travelled into the desert to meet holy hermits. At first, Nopher's unusual appearance frightened him. Nopher reassured him, made the sign of the cross and prayed the Lord's Prayer. Then they sat together and spoke about God's goodness.
PART 4
A story carried back to others
Nopher told Paphnutius about his life. After Nopher departed to the Lord, his visitor buried him. Paphnutius wished to stay there, but the tree and well no longer sustained the place. He returned to share what he had learned.
PART 5
Remembering him in church
The Church also remembers the dedication of a church named for St. Abu-Nofer in Cairo. His name is another form of Nopher.
Our own way of learning from him can be simple: make room for prayer and thank God for His care. Children can do this at home with their family.
Think about it
What did Nopher and his visitor do together?
Tap to discover the answer
They prayed and talked about the greatness and goodness of God.
Try it today
Spend a quiet minute praying with your family. Name one good thing God has given you today.
May the prayers of the saints be with us. Amen.