1. NAYROUZ Coptic New Year

2. Thout 1 calendar starts Thout 1 reign of Roman emperor Diocletian in 284 A.D. Christians martyred in Egypt Church celebrates lives of Martyrs

3. ST. STEPHEN First Martyr Jesus chose 12 apostles, and 72 disciples After Jesus went to Heaven, the apostles started the church on earth

4. 7 men chosen from 72 to help with new church St. Stephen was one of the 7 chosen He was 1 of the first deacons He served the poor, preached, he loved Jesus ST. STEPHEN First Martyr

5. Jews were jealous, accused St. Stephen of blasphemy (telling lies about God) St. Stephen was not afraid, he spoke the truth! He saw heaven open and our Lord Jesus standing at the right side of God the Father St. Stephen asked God to forgive them "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit" ST. STEPHEN First Martyr

6. Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep. Acts 7:60

7. 1) How was St. Stephen able to see God? He was brave 2) How was St. Stephen so brave? God was in his heart! 3) What is BRAVE? To speak the truth about God, to forgive, to pray for others ST. STEPHEN First Martyr

8. 4) How do we feel God in our hearts? We must hear God’s words by reading the Bible + We are grateful to all Martyrs who passed on their faith to us + We pray & ask for their intercessions ST. STEPHEN First Martyr

9. Praying Pray before dinner ask for intercession of St. Stephen Memorizing “And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ.” Luke 2: 25-26 ST. STEPHEN First Martyr