THE HOLY LITURGY

4 PARTS:  Apostles' Doctrine - Teachings  Fellowship - Orbana and/or Agape Meal  Breaking of Bread - Communion  Prayers - Litanies “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Acts 2:42

Doctrine Vespers Gospel & Psalm (and Sermon) Matins Gospel & Psalm Liturgy Readings  Pauline Epistle (reading from one of St. Paul's letters)  Catholic Epistle (Saints James, Peter, John, Jude)  Acts of the Apostles (Life of Early Church)  Synexarium (Life of Saints; Continuation of Acts) Liturgy Gospel & Psalm Liturgy Sermon (and Prophecies & Homilies depending on season)

Review from previous lesson:  Manoah and his wife were sad because…?  What did the Angel of God tell Manoah’s wife NOT to do?  The angel said their son would be a N_______ -- What does this mean?  When Manoah asked the angel’s name, what did he reply?  Did the angel eat the goat? --They couldn’t have children. --Not to drink wine & not cut the child’s hair. Nazarite --That he will live his life for God. --The Angel did not tell him his name, he just said: “Why do you ask my name, since it is wonderful?” --No.

Jesus sitting in the midst of the teachers Grade 3 Sunday-school Lesson St. Mary COC

What is WISDOM? Intelligence? Riches? Strength? Power?

Virgin Mary & St. Joseph always made sure to obey God and do all things according to the law of the Lord, so that Jesus grew and became strong in spirit and filled with wisdom.

Passover in Jerusalem Every year, Jesus and His family would go to Jerusalem to attend the feast of the Passover. One year, when Jesus was 12, after the feast St. Mary and St. Joseph travelled back home, but they didn’t realize that Jesus stayed behind… When they realized that Jesus was not with them, they became very worried!

Where’s Jesus? St. Mary and St. Joseph travelled all the way back to Jerusalem and and after 3 whole days, they finally found Jesus! …Where do you think Jesus was when they found Him?

They found Jesus in the Temple sitting among teachers listening and asking questions. All the teachers in the temple were amazed at Jesus’ understanding and His answers (WISDOM) St. Mary & St. Joseph saw this, they were also very amazed

Even though Jesus was only 12 years old, He knew that it was very important to go to the temple to listen to the teachers and the readings of the scriptures (the Holy Bible). Virgin Mary kept all these in her heart, and Jesus kept growing and growing, in body and WISDOM.

WISDOM In the dictionary, “wisdom” means: “To know what is true, right, or lasting.” WHO is the only One that is TRUE, knows all TRUTH, is RIGHT, and LASTING (is eternal)? –> Yes, God!! That means, wisdom ONLY COMES FROM GOD! …To be WISE is to know more and more about God and to understand His ways!

Science and the world change all the time… But, …the truth of God and the Word of God never change! Once, people thought the world was flat! Now, we know it is round!

That’s why it is WISE that we use our time to learn more about Him and be with Him! “For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;” -- Proverbs 2:6

How can we become more WISE?  Ask God to give us wisdom!  Study, the Bible  the words of God  Be close to God  Church, Holy Communion, Prayer, Bible, and by keeping our thoughts on God all day!  Listen and learn about Jesus (from mom, dad, Church, Abouna, Sunday-school,…)  Always try to do the ‘WISE’ thing (the right thing); ask yourself: “What Would Jesus Do?”

To Practice: Before going to bed, ask yourself: “Have I heard God today?” (Check your Spiritual Notebook!)

Quiz Game! Every year, Jesus and His family would go to Jerusalem to attend the feast of the _________. St. Mary and St. Joseph travelled all the way back to Jerusalem and and after ___days, they finally found Jesus! Where was Jesus when they found Him? What was He doing? “For the Lord gives _______; From His ______ come _________ and _____________;” -- Proverbs 2:6 PASSOVER 3 -- In the Temple -- Sitting among teachers listening and asking questions WISDOMMOUTH KNOWLEDGEUNDERSTANDING

“For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;” -- Proverbs 2:6