ANBA ABRAAM BISHOP OF FAYOUM

2010, November - wk 1(Grade 2)

Sts. Marcianus & Mercurius

  • They were disciples of St. Paul the Martyr, Pope of Constantinople.
  • Emperor Constantine II believed in the wrong teachings Arius.
  • Constantine II is the son of Constantine the Great (found the Cross with his mother Queen Helen).
  • Arius spread wrong teaching about our Lord Jesus Christ.
  • St. Paul the Patriarch of Constantinople, opposed Arius - so St. Paul was exiled to Armenia, where he was martyred.
  • Sts. Marcianus and Mercurius also opposed Arius, and wept when St. Paul was exiled.
  • Constantine II ordered the 2 saints to be martyred.
  • St. John Chrysostom heard about them many years later, brought their bodies and built a church for them.

ANBA ABRAAM – Bishop of Fayoum

  • Was born to righteous parents, who brought him up as a good Christian.
  • As Anba Abraam was a very bright student during his religious studies, he was ordained a deacon.
  • Hebecame a monk at the age of 19, at El-Muharrak monastery.
  • Anba Abraam was humble, and lived a pure life, in deep prayers.
  • Was later ordained a priest and later Abbott (head monk) of the monastery.
  • During the 5 years as Abbott, Anba Abraam spent endless efforts& resources to improve the condition of the monastery spiritually and physically.
  • Anba Abraam gave abundantly to the poor, orphans, widows, and all who are in need.
  • Some monks became upset; they thoughtAnba Abraam wasbeing wasteful.
  • They complained to the acting Patriarch, Anba Morcos, who removed Anba Abraam as Abbott.
  • Anba Abraam left El-Muharrak monastery and went to the monastery of El-Baramous.
  • Was later ordained Bishop of El-Fayyoum and El-Giza.
  • Many miracles continued to be manifested after his departure.
  • He waswell-known for 2virtues:

CHARITY

  • He was called father of the poor and the destitute.
  • He gave money, clothing, food, or anything to anyonewas in need.
  • He turned his residence into a home for the poorand homeless.
  • He made sure his food was never better than any food offered to the poor.

PRAYER

  • Through his prayers many miracles were performed. He became famous in Egypt & parts of Europe.
  • Peoplefrom all over the world, even of different religions, came to be healed throughhis prayers.
  • Anba Abraam had great knowledge of the Bible and other holy books.

Verse of lesson

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver”.2 Corinthians 9:7

Discussions

  • Why should I give?
  • What I have is from God, not my own. To share my blessings with others in need.
  • To receive moreblessings from God – the more I give the more I receive.
  • To obey God’s commandment: to love one another. We are created in the image of God and are all“brothers” & “sisters” in Christ.
  • What do I give? Money, time, love, effort … anything I have received from God.
  • How do I give? With all I have, with all my heartlove. Because I trust God will take care of me & provide for me. That’s what makes AnbaAbraam a saint!

This Week

  • Pass on God’s blessings by giving and sharing with others.

Praying

  • Set a TIMEto pray - morning, before meals, before bed
  • Pray while you have ENERGY - don’t leave prayer to the very end when you are tired!
  • CONCENTRATE - quiet place & close eyes

Memorizing:

We proclaim the Holy Trinity in One Godhead, we worship Him, we glorify Him, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord bless us, Amen.

ANBA ABRAAM

2010, November - wk 1(Grade 2)

LESSON REVIEW

Circle the correct answers below:

1)Anba Abraam was famous for his charitable work (giving to the poor)

* TRUE* FALSE

2)Anba Abraam was called: “Father of the poor and destitute”

* TRUE* FALSE

3)Why should I give to others in need?

* To share my blessings from God with others

* What I have is my own, I don’t need to share

4)Giving to others is obeying God’s commandment to LOVE one another:

* TRUE* FALSE

5)Things that I can give:

* My time

* My love

* My money

6)What I need to do to pray better:

* Set a TIME to pray: morning, before meals, bedtime

* Leave prayer until the end when I am TIRED