Do excuse us: as we have to pause for a while. It is high time we connected Egypt’s present with her past. During the tenures of the despots Nero and Diocletian who Egyptians resisted steadfastly, many Egyptians were martyred. Yet, their blood marked the end of these despots’ tenure. In like manner, 21 Egyptians were martyred in Libya few days ago. They were slaughtered by terrorists, thus, writing a new history and restoring the martyrs’ history to our minds.
The Dictionary Meaning of “Martyr”
“Martyr” derives from the Greek “martur” which means “witness”, that is, a person who has some information about something he saw. Thus, he presents this information, having borne “witness” of it. Also, the word bears a religious connotation, as a “martyr” sacrifices something precious for his faith or belief. Thus, “martyr” has become characteristic of those who die willingly for God, or forgo their lives for a purpose.
In Christianity, the word was first ascribed to Christ’s disciples and apostles who evangelized with Christianity. In the Book of Acts, we read, “and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Then, it was attributed to whoever bore tribulation for faith, whether they were killed or not. Finally, the word came to describe whoever accepted to give their lives willingly for their belief.
Why Death?
Man loves life, and evades death. Yet, what is so attractive about Christian martyrs is that they encounter death as if they had had a long awaited appointment with it! They would approach it bravely, faithfully, meekly, and happily, which amazes their persecutors and torturers. This raises a question: why do they approach death calmly and patiently? Why are they not scared to die, like many people? They really must possess the motives and ideologies that make them do so.
The World and Eternity
Martyrs realized that worldly life is but short and temporary if compared with the life after death. St. James writes, “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” So, they lived as strangers who were sure that they will return to the heavenly home, and that this world will end. When their journey ended, they returned happily to their home. Here, one would recall Pope Shenouda III’s words, “Always remember that you are a stranger on earth, and that you will return to your heavenly home.”
Tiredness and Rest
Martyrs got to know that earthly life is one of tiredness. It has no true rest. Yet, being God’s gift, they utilized their life honestly and faithfully. Though they knew life is tiresome, they did their best. When they were put to death, they never feared it, for they were sure that the virtuous life and true rest are only in heaven.
The Lives of Martyrs
When we delve deep into martyrs’ lives, we shall find they are full of virtues. Martyrdom crowns this pure life among which virtues are:
Bravery
Martyrs proved their bravery in facing death, for they remembered Christ’s very words, “I tell you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear the One who, after you have been killed, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him!”
Endurance
Martyrs endured pain in such a wonderful way that even their enemies were amazed. They never preached endurance, for they themselves were role models of endurance. Rulers and proconsuls used to marvel at the indescribable endurance which all martyrs enjoyed, be they elderly, men, women, or children.
Patience
Martyrs were sometimes persecuted and tortured for years, whereby despots tried to weaken their resolve and consume their patience. Yet, days brought them closer to their heavenly home which they yearned to return to. Rather, it was the rulers’ patience that was consumed. Whenever a ruler got fed up with a martyr’s patience, he would send him to another to torture him.
Meekness
Meekness is part and parcel of a Christian’s life. Martyrs were role models of meekness. They never rebelled. Nor did they ignite riots or resist whoever tortured them. Rather, they would endure meekly. The Theban Legion which members were all martyred is the best example for meekness. They wrote a message to the Emperor, saying, “O mighty Caesar! Though we are your sentries, we are servants of God. We are not rebels. Though we have weapons with which we can defend ourselves and mutiny, we prefer dying innocent to living sinful. We are ready to endure all your torments, for we are Christians. We do declare our Christianity.”
Love
Love is the gem that lighted the lives of martyrs. They offered indescribable love to everybody, especially their enemies. Indeed, they abided by Christ’s words, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
Peace
Martyrs led a peaceful life. With that very peace, they encountered death. The peace given by God cannot be taken away by anybody. Here, it is worthy to point out what Pope Cyril said, “Nothing can ever disturb me in this world, for I am well protected by Christ. I reside in His bosom. I am consoled by Him.”
Peace summarizes the lives of martyrs. They live peacefully, and die in peace which no sword can take away from them.
Twenty-one of our children were martyred in Libya. We watched photos and a video that were shot prior their martyrdom. Dr. Mushira Hanafy, parapsychologist, explained this, saying, “If you look at the martyrs’ faces, you will see that they enjoy great faith and satisfaction, which is testified to by the fact that as they were sitting on the ground, they were quite silent. Yet, they were praying to God. They were quite strong and calm.” She continues, “When the man’s spirit is in solidarity with God, man reaches the peak of faith. What made them pray with their eyes shut was that they saw a place lovelier than the world, thus, surrendering everything.”
Throughout history, despots had had a terrible death, for God is just. He never forgets the wronged. Nero was one of those despots. He was ousted from authority at an early age, then, disappeared. Nobody found his corpse or grave. Also, Dometian was killed by his enemies: right inside his palace. The Senate decreed the annihilation of his name. There is also Decius who was slaughtered by enemies, along with his son and the majority of his troops. Likewise, Orlean was slaughtered by his close friends. Diocletian abdicated and got so ill that, it is said, that he committed suicide. God, the Almighty, is patient. Yet, He is never forgetful. He waits, but never neglects. He gives the wicked chances, but not for good.
We are proud of you, O martyrs! You are brave, patient, meek, loving, peaceful, and faithful. Congratulations on the Crown of Martyrdom. So is one story. Stories never end in Beautiful Egypt.
General Bishop
Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center
