Can you give me a simple lesson for kids about showing respect in church?

By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-10

Sunday School Lesson: Respect in the House of God

Target Audience: Elementary / Sunday School Children

Memory Verse: “Holiness adorns Your house, O Lord, forever.” (Psalm 93:5)

Objective: To teach children why the church is holy and how to show reverence and love for God inside His house.

1. Introduction: What Is the Church?

When you go to school, you follow school rules. When you visit a king or a president in a palace, you dress nicely, speak politely, and show honor.

The church—the ekklesia, a Greek word used in Coptic for church—is not an ordinary building. It is the house of God: pi-ei em-Phnouti, native Coptic. When we step inside the church, we are entering heaven on earth. God is truly present with us, surrounded by His holy angels and saints. Because our Lord, Pchois*, native Coptic for "the Lord, is holy, we treat His house with the highest respect and honor.

2. Entering the Church with Reverence

Respect starts the moment we arrive at church:

1. Be on Time: Coming early or on time honors God's day. It shows Him that meeting Him is our top priority.
2. Kneel Before the Altar: As soon as you enter the nave, look toward the sanctuary and the altar—the thysiasterion*, a Greek loanword. Make the sign of the cross and make a bow or prostration (metania) to show honor to the King of Kings who is present on the altar.
3. Kiss the Curtain and the Cross: Approach the sanctuary curtain and kiss it reverently. When you greet Abouna (the priest), kiss the cross in his hand and his hand to receive the blessing of Christ.
4. Light a Candle: Go quietly to the icons of the Holy Theotokos (, the Mother of God) and the saints. Light a candle, kiss the icon, and ask the saints to pray for you.
5. Give an Offering: Place your alms into the church donation box. Giving back to God from what He has given us is an act of worship and obedience.

3. During the Divine Liturgy

Once you are in your seat, your behavior shows what is in your heart:

• Quiet Voices and Still Bodies: The church is a place for prayer, not for running, playing games, eating snacks, or chatting with friends. When we are silent, we can hear the voice of the Holy Spirit.
• Stand with Attention: When the priest or deacon calls out, "Stand with the fear of God," or during the reading of the Holy Gospel, stand straight, keep your hands still, and listen carefully to God's words.
• Join the Prayers: Do not just be a spectator. Pray the "Our Father," recite the Orthodox Creed with conviction, and sing the responses and hymns with the deacons and congregation.

4. Approaching the Holy Mysteries (Communion)

The most holy moment in the Divine Liturgy is Holy Communion, when we receive the true Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.

• Prepare: Fast beforehand and keep your mind clean and focused on Christ.
• Remove Your Shoes: Just as God told Moses at the burning bush to take off his sandals because he was standing on holy ground (Exodus 3:5), we take off our shoes before stepping up to receive the Holy Mysteries.
• Approach with Humility: Walk up slowly with your arms crossed over your chest, head bowed, and mouth ready to receive the Holy Body and Precious Blood.
• After Receiving: Keep your mouth covered with the communion cloth (or your hand), take the water and holy bread (eulogia / orban), and return quietly to your place to say your thanksgiving prayers.

Class Discussion & Questions

1. Why do we bow toward the altar when we enter the church?

(Because the altar is where the Holy Body and Blood of Christ are offered; God is present there.)

1. Why do we take off our shoes before Holy Communion?

(Because we are approaching the most holy place and stepping onto holy ground, just like Moses did before the burning bush.)

1. How should we act during the Gospel reading and prayers?

(We stand still, stay quiet, and listen with reverence.)

Practical Challenge for the Week

Next Sunday, try doing all of these things without being reminded:

• Arrive on time.
• Make a prostration toward the sanctuary before taking your seat.
• Keep your voice quiet and sing along with the congregation.
• Remember to remove your shoes before partaking of Holy Communion.