St. Mark and St. Cyril of Alexandria

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the Saint module is to teach eighth graders about the rich tradition of writers in the Coptic Orthodox Church throughout its history. They will learn how the different writers not only passed down wisdom which we must apply in our own lives, but also how their writings contributed to and ultimately shaped the Christian faith as a whole.

INTRODUCTION - 5 Minutes

Compare and contrast St. Mark and St. Cyril using the points below.

HOLY SCRIPTURE - 5 Minutes

"Holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict." Titus 1:9

DISCUSSION (Challenge) - 5 Minutes

• Discuss the focus of the writings, particularly the Gospel, of St. Mark.
• Discuss how St. Cyril defended the concept "Theotokos" against Nestorious' inaccurate "Christokos."

APPLICATION (Action) - 5 Minutes

• St. Mark courageously preached the word of God to a people different from his own, and brought them to the faith. How can we demonstrate and bring people to the true faith of God through our actions?
• St. Cyril defended the faith against the heretics, and earned the title "Pillar of Faith." How can we practically defend our faith in our daily interactions in front of others?

CONCLUSION - 5 Minutes

• One servant of God, St. Mark, established the Coptic Orthodox Church, and wrote his Gospel to bring others to the true knowledge of the faith.
• Another servant of God, St. Cyril, defended the Orthodox faith against the heretics, for the stability of the Orthodox Church.
• One servant laid the foundation, the other solidified it in the truth, as it is written, "one planted, another watered, but God gave the increase." 1 Corinthians 3:6

ACTIVITY - 5 Minutes

Contemplate and discuss the following verse with the children, and how they can apply it to today's society:

"Holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict" (Titus 1:9).

RESOURCES

• Saint Mark the Apostle and Evangelist (LaCopts.org)
• St. Mark The Apostle, Evangelist (copticchurch.net)
• Saint Cyril I (copticchurch.net)
• Saint Cyril of Alexandria and the Council of Ephesus (LaCopts.org)

PARENTS CORNER/HOMEWORK

Motivate your children to not only understand, but also defend the Orthodox faith, as these faithful saints did and passed it down to us.