Martyrs of Libya

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the saints module is to teach seventh graders about the life of courageous saints. They will learn about these saints who offer us real life examples of how to be steadfast in the faith. The stories of these martyrs will help them realize how to be courageous and stand up for Christ. Additionally, this module will highlight icon analysis to introduce students to understanding the symbolism of details found in icons.

INTRODUCTION - 5 Minutes

Often, we think of martyrdom as something from the past and not something that still happens in the modern world, or in our lifetime. We may watch movies depicting the lives of saints and martyrs, but don't expect to actually witness people giving up their lives for the name of Our Lord.

Feast: 15 February; (8 Amshir)

HOLY SCRIPTURE - 5 Minutes

"Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years." Revelation 20:4

LIVES OF THE SAINTS - 20 Minutes

On February 15, 2015, militants in Libya claiming loyalty to ISIS (an islamic extremist group) released a video depicting the beheading of 21 Coptic Christians on a Mediterranean shore. Subsequently, the victims were commemorated as martyred saints on the 8th Amshir on the Coptic calendar, which is February 15 on the Gregorian calendar.

The victims, who were in Libya as migrant workers from Egypt, were kidnapped and held until they were martyred. One of the workers who had made a previous trip to Libya, Tawadros Youssef Tawadros reported that he had been warned that his Christian name might anger Muslim radicals, and he was advised to change it or go by another name while in Libya. However, according to his wife, Tawadros said "anyone who starts changing his name will end up changing his faith."

Marched to the shore in orange jumpsuits, with the militants behind them covered in black, the men were made to kneel on the sand. A caption in the video called the captives the "People of the Nation of the Cross." Seconds before dying, the martyrs were seen saying "Ya Rabbi Yassou (Oh My Lord Jesus)"

After the beheadings, the Coptic Orthodox church released their names, but there were only 20 names. It was later learned that the 21st martyr was named Matthew Ayairga and that he was from Ghana. He was not originally a Christian, but he saw the immense faith of the others, and when the terrorists asked him if he rejected Jesus, he reportedly said, "Their God is my God," knowing that he would be martyred.

Three years after their beheading, a Cathedral for the Martyrs of the Faith was consecrated in Upper Egypt. On 15 May 2018, their remains were returned to the cathedral, which was built for them and named after them (Church of the Martyrs of Faith and Homeland) in Martyrs' Village.

DISCUSSION (Challenge) - 15 Minutes

The martyrs knew that there was an inherent risk being in Libya as Christians, but they were not afraid nor did they try to hide their identity.
The terrorists referred to Copts as followers of the "Nation of the Cross." It was intended as a derogatory statement, but as Coptic Christians, we consider it an honor, as the cross is the source of our courage.

Paradox of Faith

Show the students the icon and pictures below (in Appendix).

The 21 men appeared weak and defeated, kneeling before their oppressors, with big knives to their throats. Yet suddenly it makes you think, where is the power in this picture? Is it in the big men, with the big knives, with the covered faces, with the big voices, with the big threats? Or is it in those who knelt bravely, with humility, confidence and resilience and faithfulness that was unshaken and unshakable?

Response of the Families of the Martyrs

Ask the kids how they think the families of the martyrs reacted when they found out about what happened? If something bad happened to someone in your family, what would be your response or reaction?

The expected human reaction is to be angry and seek revenge. However, our Lord teaches us: "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust." Matthew 5:43-45
The actual families of the martyrs lived out this verse exactly as our Lord intended it. They were forgiving of the assailants and were comforted by knowing that their loved ones were in heaven. While they felt sadness at the loss of their loved one, our Lord gave them peace and their faith was strengthened. The families of the martyred 21 viewed their deaths with reverence and honor, rather than with anger or a sense of injustice.

ACTIVITY- 15 Minutes

In the book "The 21 - A Journey into the Land of Coptic Martyrs," the author gathered brief descriptions highlighting virtues that the martyrs had. Using the table in the attached Activity sheet below, have the students go around and read each virtue, and have them pick one to work on practicing in their lives.
Watch interviews with the families of the Martyrs. (Separate interviews of the families of each one are available on Youtube).

RESOURCES

Article on Angelus News about the 21 Martyrs

APPENDIX

Coptic Icon of the 21 Martyrs

Photograph of the 21 Martyrs along with artistic rendition