كرسي تخييم قابل للطي يسمح بمرور الهواء
وفر 6%! اشترِ كرسي تخييم قابل للطي يسمح بمرور الهواء بسعر 189.6 د.ل فقط في ليبيا
🛒 تسوق الآنChurch Marks Modern Day Martyrs in Annual Commemoration
Church Marks Modern Day Martyrs in Annual Commemoration
Historic Liturgical Change Honors Libya's Coptic Martyrs
The Church of England's General Synod has approved a landmark decision to introduce an annual commemoration for the "21 Martyrs of Libya" into its liturgical calendar. This marks the first change to the Church's liturgical calendar in 16 years, recognizing the profound courage of Christian men who refused to renounce their faith under Islamic State persecution.
The 21 Martyrs of Libya
On April 15, 2015, 21 Christian men - including 20 Egyptian Coptic Christians and one Ghanaian - were beheaded on a beach in Libya by ISIS militants. These men, mostly migrant laborers working in the country, chose martyrdom over abandoning their faith. Their execution was carried out in a calculated act of terrorism designed to intimidate Christian communities throughout the Middle East.
Virgil Cofield, a bishop from the Episcopal Church in the USA who helped arrange their detention, described their final moments: "They were praying together, singing hymns, and reading the Bible. Their courage in the face of certain death moved all who witnessed it."
Liturgical Recognition
The decision to commemorate these martyrs annually was announced by the Church of England during its General Synod meeting in July 2026. The new observance will take place on September 1, marking the anniversary of their martyrdom. The commemoration joins existing saints' days in the Church's calendar, ensuring that future generations will remember their witness.
Canon Andrew Wilson, the Church of England's South East Chaplain, stated: "These martyrs exemplify the Gospel message in its purest form. Their sacrifice calls all Christians to greater courage in defending the faith, especially in our interconnected world where persecution can reach any corner of the globe."
Global Christian Response
The decision has been welcomed by Christian leaders worldwide. Pope Francis expressed his support for the commemoration, noting that the 21 martyrs join the "cloud of witnesses" in heaven. Coptic Orthodox Church leaders in Egypt also praised the recognition, seeing it as an important step in honoring the persecuted church.
International Christian organizations have long advocated for official recognition of these martyrs. Open Doors USA, which tracks Christian persecution globally, named the 21 martyrs among its "Honourable Mentions" in 2015, highlighting their story as an example of unwavering faith under extreme duress.
Libya Connection and Regional Impact
The martyrs' story resonates deeply in Libya, where Christian communities face ongoing challenges despite the country's complex religious landscape. While Islam is the predominant faith, Libya also has small Christian expatriate communities, including Coptic Orthodox, Catholics, and Protestants who work in the oil sector and other industries.
The 2015 ISIS beheading of 21 men shocked the international community and highlighted the vulnerability of migrant workers in conflict zones. Libya's ongoing instability, including conflicts between various militias and government forces, has only underscored the need for global solidarity with persecuted believers.
Egyptian Coptic Christians, many of whom work in Libya as laborers, have strong cultural ties to the region. Their families back home follow news of their loved ones' sacrifice with deep pride and sorrow. The annual commemoration serves as a reminder of both the courage of these men and the risks faced by Christian communities in the Middle East.
A Call to Remember
The Church of England's decision reflects growing awareness of Christian persecution worldwide. According to Open Doors' 2026 World Watch List, Libya ranks among the top 10 countries where Christians face severe persecution. The commemoration serves multiple purposes: honoring the martyrs, raising awareness of ongoing persecution, and providing spiritual guidance for believers facing trials.
Each year, congregations across England and beyond will mark September 1 with prayer, reflection, and renewed commitment to supporting persecuted Christians. The liturgical calendar change ensures that this important testimony to faith will not be forgotten in our age of global connectivity.
— Libya Press / News Desk
