CWN - Numerous Coptic Orthodox bishops and clergy gathered in Samalut, Egypt, on February 16 to mark the anniversary of the beheading of 21 Christians who had been abducted by the Islamic State militants in Libya.
The Christians, who died with the name of Jesus on their lips, are venerated as martyrs in the Coptic Orthodox Church.
References:
- The Coptic Church celebrates the 21 "martyrs of Libya" a year after their massacre (Fides)
- The Diocese of Samalot is preparing to celebrate the first anniversary of the martyrdom of 21 Copts in Libya (Fides)
- Egypt Church Marks 1st Anniversary of Beheading of 21 Christians (BosNewsLife)
- Pope prays for Christians slain in Libya (CWN, 2/17/15)