Sunday school
The backbone of the church: formation in the faith from kindergarten age to school-leaving, weekly after the Divine Liturgy.
Formation in the faith
Sunday school was founded in 1918 by the Egyptian archdeacon and saint Habib Gerges, and has since taken root in every Coptic community worldwide. His principle — that the children of God should be formed in every part of life — is carried on in Austria to this day.
What the teaching looks like
The ministry accompanies young people from about the age of three without a break to their school-leaving exams, and beyond that into the youth meetings. Classes are grouped by age; teaching is weekly after the Divine Liturgy, and on Saturdays in some churches.
The curriculum covers:
Faith, scripture, doctrine and the traditions of the church.
The Coptic language and its ancient hymns.
Christian ethics — and what they look like on an ordinary weekday.
Alongside ordinary lessons there is puppet theatre, craft, singing and group work. Birthdays are celebrated once a month; there are outings, and the annual conferences in the summer and Christmas holidays.
Why it is more than teaching
Sunday school is where children learn that the church is a family. Here they take up their Coptic identity, make friendships that last, and are prepared for a life in family, parish and society.