The 21 Coptic Martyrs Libya Testimony
On February 15, 2015, a beach near Sirte, Libya became the setting for an extraordinary testament of faith. Twenty Egyptian Coptic Christians, alongside one Ghanaian, faced their final moments at the hands of ISIS militants. Despite the harrowing circumstances, these men refused to renounce their beliefs. In the video released by their captors, their last words echoed powerfully, "Ya Rabbi Yassou!"—"Oh, my Lord Jesus!"—a proclamation of unwavering faith.
Choosing Faith Over Freedom
These men, humble laborers who had traveled to Libya in search of work to support their families, found themselves in a life-or-death situation. Yet, their commitment to Jesus never wavered. Among them was Matthew Ayariga, the Ghanaian Christian, who, when offered freedom in exchange for renouncing his faith, resolutely declared, "Their God is my God," choosing to stand with his brothers in faith.
Families Respond with Forgiveness
The families of these martyrs have expressed a remarkable spirit of forgiveness towards the killers. "I heard his voice, calling on the name of Jesus just before the beheading," Nagaty, the father of one of the martyrs, recounted. "He was faithful. Jesus was with him all the way. And now, he is with Jesus. What more could a father ask for?"
Legacy of Faith Continues
These 21 men have been canonized as saints by the Coptic Orthodox Church, and their story has become a beacon of Christian faith and resilience in the face of persecution. Their village, Al-Our in Egypt, home to many of the martyrs, has become a pilgrimage site. Here, the "Church of the Martyrs of the Faith and Homeland" stands as a testament to their sacrifice. It is a place where believers gather in prayer and remembrance, celebrating the unyielding faith of these martyrs.
The story of the 21 Coptic Martyrs is not only a powerful reminder of the cost of discipleship but also a testament to the power of Jesus to sustain and inspire his followers, even unto death. Their legacy continues to inspire and encourage Christians worldwide, as their lives and deaths point unwaveringly to Jesus, who they loved and served to the very end.
