Faith
Honoring 21 Martyrs’ Faithful Witness
Faith Facts
- The Church of England is considering an annual commemoration for 21 Christian men martyred by ISIS in Libya.
- The Coptic Orthodox Church has recognized these men, who refused to renounce Christ, as martyrs.
- Additions to the Church of England’s worship calendar are rare, underlining the significance of this proposal.
The courage of the 21 men who were executed for their faith continues to inspire believers around the world. The Church of England’s proposal seeks to designate February 15 as a day to recall their witness and sacrifice for Christ.
Most of the victims were Egyptian laborers, along with one man from Ghana, who were taken by ISIS in Sirte, Libya.
The General Synod has moved this proposal forward, though it hasn’t been fully adopted yet. This act of remembrance highlights the enduring strength found in standing firm for Jesus, even in the face of death.
“The men’s steadfastness in the face of this brutal act has been widely recognised as a profound witness to the Christian faith. These martyrs … refused to renounce Christ despite the threat of death.”
Their willingness to proclaim “O my Lord Jesus” at their final moments testifies to unwavering faith. Their sacrifice transforms intended terror into an eternal message of courage and perseverance for all Christians.
Rare entries have been made to the calendar before, such as honoring the Seven Martyrs of the Melanesian Brotherhood, who gave their lives seeking peace during unrest in the Solomon Islands.
May we remember these martyrs, draw strength from their devotion, and boldly live out our faith and values in today’s world.