Grade 12 - Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States

Sunday School Curriculum Grade 12
D. Martyrdom is a proof of the truth of the Christian religion (Luke 21:12-17, Isaiah 54:17)
The Historian Chaff says, ―we do not know of any other religion that has withstood the test of time
like Christianity: three centuries have passed during which it has constantly endured fanaticism and
yet has not depended on any material means for support‖ (John 16:33; John 10:19; Mark 16:17-18).
E. Martyrdom is a practical proof of Christian virtues
The pain and deep suffering could not cause martyrs to abandon their Christian virtues. The
following are examples of such virtues:
Steadfastness and long suffering: Tertullian the scholar, addressing rulers and judges said,
―many of your writers have encouraged long suffering and death, but your words have not
recruited followers, as has happened in Christianity‖.
Meekness: Even though there were many Christians subjects they never rebelled or
threatened; some were soldiers, leaders and rulers. An example of this is the Tibean legion,
which consisted of six thousand soldiers, all of whom died as martyrs.
Loving the enemy: Martyrs loved their enemies in obedience to the commandment of their
teacher (Luke 6:27-28). St. Stephen prayed for those who stoned him: ―Lord, do not charge
them with this sin.‖
Purity and Chastity: One of the cruelest punishments inflicted on women martyrs was putting
them in brothels. They would have rather been beheaded than lose their chastity. The story of
Butamina, the pure virgin, testifies to that.
No worldly interest: Martyrs abhorred the world in all its aspects - their wealth was taken and
they were dismissed from their jobs and from public life. Many of them lived in the enormous
Roman catacombs.
Eternal love: Living their life in heaven while still in the flesh. Martyrs have longed for
eternity and life in heaven, and with their great desire for eternity they saw the heavens open
and saw crowns ready for them while enduring indescribable torture (Matthew25:34).
IV. The Fourth Question: How Can We, As Youth, Testify To The Lord?
We have observed how our fathers faced death and as we study their lives we feel embarrassed
and wonder, ―can we become martyrs?‖ St. John Chrysostom replies to that and says: ―Do you think
that crucifixion on the cross is the only way of martyrdom? If this was true, it deprives Job of his
crown.‖
V. Some Landmarks Of The Road To Martyrdom
A. Testify to the Lord to counteract sin
Daniel, who was exiled to a distant country, could be the best example of testimony. He protected
his heart from being enticed by the pleasures of the court. For as much as he considered himself dead
to these passions, the Lord strengthened and saved him from the jealousy of the envious, and from the
lion‘s den.
The apostle Paul calls us opponents or fighters against sin even until blood (Hebrews 12:4). St.
Pachomius taught his disciples, saying, ―fatigue due to constant worship and bowing constitutes
martyrdom.‖
32 SEPTEMBER