News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Egypt-Christians-main_article_image.jpg
World News

Murdered Copts named martyrs

The Egyptian men were beheaded by the militants group last week.

Now the men will be commemorated in the Coptic Church's calendar.

Pope Tawadros II announced that the names of the martyrs will be inserted into the Coptic Synaxarium and remembered every February 15.

APAImages/REX

Pope Tawadros II

That falls on the feast day of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple.

Their martyrdom is similar to canonisation in the Latin Church.

Last week IS posted a video online which showed the men being beheaded by its militants.

The brother of two of the men expressed his pride in their actions in death, describing them as "a badge of honour to Christianity".

Speaking on a phone in programme on the Arabic TV station Sat-7, a caller named Beshir said the families are congratulating each other and are not in despair. He said: "We are proud to have this number of people from our village become martyrs.

"Since the Roman era, we as Christians are martyred, thus we have learned to handle everything that comes our way.

"Even the bible teaches us to love our enemies and bless those who curse us."

He also thanked Islamic State for not editing the video in which they were murdered. In it the 21 Copts declare their Christian faith.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate