This is according to Bishop of Giuzeh who spoke to Fides news agency: “This is how they celebrated their victory, a victory no butcher can ever take away from them. It sealed their martyrdom in a way”.
The Copts who were slaughtered by Islamic State jihadists in Libya died pronouncing Christ’s name. The news was confirmed by Antonios Aziz Mina, the Coptic Catholic bishop of Giuzeh, who spoke to Catholic news agency Fides. “The video that shows their execution was a chilling cinematographic mis-en-scene that aimed to spread terror. And yet in that diabolical product of appearance and bloody horror some of the martyrs can be seen repeating the words “Lord Jesus Christ” at the moment of their barbaric execution. Jesus’ name was the last word they uttered. Like in the passion of the early martyrs, they entrusted themselves to the One who would embrace them just moments later. This is how they celebrated their victory, a victory no butcher can ever take away from them. That name they whispered right at the very end sealed their martyrdom in a way.”
Meanwhile, the Egyptian government has declared seven days of national mourning for the martyrs who lost their life in Libya. In a number of dioceses where prayer vigils are being held, faithful and Bishops are suggesting new churches be dedicated to the martyrs. Prime Minister Ibrahim Mahlab has revealed that President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi himself gave the go-ahead for a church to be built – on State expenses – in honour of the martyrs, in the city of Minya, the region where most of the beheaded Copts came from. By presidential decree, the families of the victims of Islamic terrorism will be paid compensation and will receive a monthly martyr pension.
