21 Coptic Martyrs of Libya

On 15th of February 2015, a five-minute video was published by Al-Hayat, an IS multi-language media wing, showing the beheading of the captives on a beach along the southern Mediterranean coast. A caption in the video called the captives the "People of the cross, followers of the hostile Egyptian Church". In the video, the leader was dressed in camouflage, while the other terrorists were dressed in black. The victims were all dressed in orange jumpsuits, as in many previous IS videos. The group of killers identified itself in the video as the Tripoli Province of IS. The leader declared in English:

All praises due to Allah, the strong and mighty, and may blessings and peace be upon the one sent by the sword, as a mercy to all the worlds [Muhammad]. Oh people, recently you've seen us on the hills of Al-Sham [Greater Syria] and on Dabiq's Plain, chopping off the heads that had been carrying the cross delusion for a long time, filled with spite against Islam and Muslims, and today we're on the south of Rome, on the land of Islam, Libya, sending another message: Oh crusaders, safety for you will be only wishes. Especially when you're fighting us all together, therefore, we will fight you all together, until the war lays down its burdens and Jesus, peace be upon him, will descend, breaking the cross, killing the swine, and abolishing Jizya, and the sea you've hidden Sheikh Osama bin Laden's body in, we swear to Allah, we will mix it with your blood.[http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/123128.aspx Ahram Online: "Video shows beheading of Copts at IS hands; Egypt declares week of mourning"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150218142048/http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/123128.aspx |date=2015-02-18 }} 15 Feb 2015

In the moments before the beheadings (3'25" to 3'32" of the video) an edited audio clip records a number of them crying out "Ya Rabb Yesua!"{{efn|{{Langx|ar|يا رب يسوع|translit=|lit=O Lord Jesus!}}}} and the caption reads: ({{Langx|ar|يذكرون معبودهم ويموتون على شركهم|translit=|lit=They supplicate what they worship and die upon their paganism}}), suggesting that they had been given a chance to convert to Islam but refused it: For this reason, the Coptic Church proclaimed them martyrs. During the beheading of the captives (3'32" to 3'40" of the video), a part of an IS acapella chant, "Qariba..Qariba"{{efn|{{Langx|ar|قريبا..قريبا|translit=|lit=Soon..Soon}}}} was playing in the background of the video, with an edited audio clip of the captives yelling in agony. After beheading the captives (3'40" to 4'15" of the video), the acapella chant continued to play and a message appears on the screen: ({{Langx|ar|هذه الدماء النجسة بعض ما ينتظركم، ثأرا ل (كاميليا) وأخواتها|translit=|lit=This filthy blood is just some of what awaits you, in revenge for Camelia and her sisters.}})[http://www.ramanmedianetwork.com/isis-video-shows-mass-beheading-of-christian-hostages/#sthash.dRBC2ygW.dpuf Raman Media network: "ISIS Video Shows Mass Beheading of Christian Hostages" by Rakash Raman] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150218130917/http://www.ramanmedianetwork.com/isis-video-shows-mass-beheading-of-christian-hostages/#sthash.dRBC2ygW.dpuf |date=18 February 2015}} 16 February 2015 This was referencing Camelia Shehata, a Coptic Egyptian woman and wife of a Coptic priest, who Islamists believe had converted to Islam and was detained by the Coptic Church because of it; she later denied the claim. In the final part of the video (4'15" to 5'01" of the video), the speaker declares; "and we will conquer Rome, by Allah's permission, the promise of our Prophet, peace be upon him," pointing his knife toward the sea, while the captives' blood pooled into the Mediterranean coast.

The Coptic Church, the Egyptian government, and the Libyan parliament{{cite news|url=http://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2015/02/14/libyan-parliament-confirms-death-21-kidnapped-coptic-egyptians/ |title=Libyan parliament confirms death of 21 kidnapped Coptic Egyptians |newspaper=Daily News Egypt |author=Mahmoud Mostafa |date=14 February 2015 |access-date=16 February 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150215224401/http://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2015/02/14/libyan-parliament-confirms-death-21-kidnapped-coptic-egyptians/ |archive-date=15 February 2015 }} confirmed the deaths.

Later, when one of the perpetrators of the operation was arrested, he admitted in the investigation that the slaughter had taken place at the beach opposite Al Mahary Hotel in Sirte.{{Cite news|url=https://www.elwatannews.com/news/details/2589441|title="البنيان المرصوص" تكشف التفاصيل الكاملة لذبح الأقباط المصريين في ليبيا|date=7 October 2017|access-date=17 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213080218/https://www.elwatannews.com/news/details/2589441|archive-date=13 February 2018|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.youm7.com/story/2017/10/7/%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B9%D8%B4%D9%89-%D9%8A%D8%B9%D8%AA%D8%B1%D9%81-%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D9%81%D8%A7%D8%B5%D9%8A%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%84%D8%A9-%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%BA%D8%AA%D9%8A%D8%A7%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B5%D8%B1%D9%8A%D9%8A%D9%86-%D9%81%D9%89-%D8%B3%D8%B1%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%A8%D8%B9%D8%AF/3445520|title=داعشى يعترف بالتفاصيل الكاملة لاغتيال المصريين فى سرت الليبية بعد القبض عليه.. الإرهابى أبو عامر الجزراوى قاد المجموعة المجرمة.. وعناصر من تونس وليبيا شاركت فى الجريمة النكراء.. والسلطات تستخرج رفات الضحايا – اليوم السابع|date=7 October 2017|work=اليوم السابع|access-date=17 March 2018|language=ar-Ar|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180221074604/http://www.youm7.com/story/2017/10/7/%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B9%D8%B4%D9%89-%D9%8A%D8%B9%D8%AA%D8%B1%D9%81-%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D9%81%D8%A7%D8%B5%D9%8A%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%84%D8%A9-%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%BA%D8%AA%D9%8A%D8%A7%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B5%D8%B1%D9%8A%D9%8A%D9%86-%D9%81%D9%89-%D8%B3%D8%B1%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%A8%D8%B9%D8%AF/3445520|archive-date=21 February 2018|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.eremnews.com/news/arab-world/1017662|title=بالصور.. التفاصيل الكاملة لقصة ذبح الأقباط المصريين في سرت الليبية|work=إرم نيوز|access-date=17 March 2018|language=ar-AR|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213021850/https://www.eremnews.com/news/arab-world/1017662|archive-date=13 February 2018|url-status=dead}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.albawabhnews.com/2745714|title=بعد العثور على رفات الضحايا.. تفاصيل ذبح المصريين بليبيا|work=البوابة نيوز|access-date=17 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180330062714/http://www.albawabhnews.com/2745714|archive-date=30 March 2018|url-status=live}}

The president of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi announced a seven-day period of national mourning and called for an urgent meeting with the country's top security body.{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-31481797 | title=Islamic State: Egyptian Christians held in Libya 'killed' | publisher=BBC | date=15 February 2015 | access-date=16 February 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150215224615/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-31481797 | archive-date=15 February 2015 | url-status=live }} In a televised address, el-Sisi declared his country reserved the right to retaliate. He also reiterated an offer to facilitate Egyptians' evacuation from Libya and imposed a travel ban on citizens to Libya. Officials from Al-Azhar, a prominent mosque and learning center in Egypt, also condemned the incident.{{cite web | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-libya-egypt-idUSKBN0LJ10D20150215 | title=Egyptian Church confirms 21 killed in Libya after Islamic State issues video | publisher=Reuters | date=15 February 2015 | access-date=16 February 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150216000923/http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/02/15/us-mideast-crisis-libya-egypt-idUSKBN0LJ10D20150215 | archive-date=16 February 2015 | url-status=live }} The killings were also addressed particularly by the United Nations Security Council, French President François Hollande and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry.{{cite web| url=http://rusnovosti.ru/posts/364118| title=Мировые лидеры осудили расправу ИГ над египтянами| publisher=Rusnovosti.ru| language=ru| date=16 February 2015| access-date=16 February 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150216144756/http://rusnovosti.ru/posts/364118| archive-date=16 February 2015| url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=President Mohamed Abdelaziz extends condolences to Egyptian counterpart|url=http://www.spsrasd.info/en/content/president-mohamed-abdelaziz-extends-condolences-egyptian-counterpart|publisher=Sahara Press Service|date=17 February 2015|access-date=26 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226013504/http://www.spsrasd.info/en/content/president-mohamed-abdelaziz-extends-condolences-egyptian-counterpart|archive-date=26 February 2015|url-status=dead}} Pope Francis telephoned Pope Tawadros II to offer his condolences. At an ecumenical meeting with the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Pope Francis stated "They only said 'Jesus help me{{Nbsp}}...' The blood of our Christian brothers is testimony that cries out. Be they Catholic, Orthodox, Copts, Lutherans, it doesn't matter: They're Christian!"{{cite news|title=Pope Francis: ISIS killing of Coptic Christians "barbaric"|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/pope-francis-denounces-killing-egyptian-coptics/|access-date=17 February 2015|work=CBS News|agency=Associated Press|date=16 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150217033331/http://www.cbsnews.com/news/pope-francis-denounces-killing-egyptian-coptics/|archive-date=17 February 2015|url-status=live}} The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary provided €500 of financial support for each of the victims' families. Péter Szijjártó said "Hungary cannot be a bystander of the continuous attacks against Christian communities in the Middle East."{{cite news |date=17 February 2015 |title=The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade provides financial aid for the families of the brutally killed Egyptian Christians |work=Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary |url=http://www.kormany.hu/en/ministry-of-foreign-affairs-and-trade/news/the-ministry-of-foreign-affairs-and-trade-provides-financial-aid-for-the-families-of-the-brutally-killed-egyptian-christians |url-status=dead |access-date=18 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219015533/http://www.kormany.hu/en/ministry-of-foreign-affairs-and-trade/news/the-ministry-of-foreign-affairs-and-trade-provides-financial-aid-for-the-families-of-the-brutally-killed-egyptian-christians |archive-date=19 February 2015}} The Obama administration was criticized for referring to the victims simply as Egyptian citizens rather than Christians, the express reason for their murder.{{cite web |last=Griswold |first=Eliza |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/26/magazine/is-this-the-end-of-christianity-in-the-middle-east.html?_r=0# |title=Is This the End of Christianity in the Middle East? |date=22 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220090347/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/26/magazine/is-this-the-end-of-christianity-in-the-middle-east.html?_r=0 |url-status=live |archive-date=20 February 2017 |website=The New York Times |quote=Daniel Philpott, a professor of political science at the University of Notre Dame, says, 'When ISIS is no longer said to have religious motivations nor the minorities it attacks to have religious identities, the Obama administration's caution about religion becomes excessive.'}}

At dawn on 16 February, the Egyptian military conducted airstrikes on IS facilities in Libya. The airstrikes targeted IS training locations and weapons stockpiles.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/16/egypt-air-strikes-target-isis-weapons-stockpiles-libya|title=Egyptian air strikes target Isis weapons stockpiles in Libya|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=16 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161202000126/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/16/egypt-air-strikes-target-isis-weapons-stockpiles-libya|archive-date=2 December 2016|url-status=live}} All military aircraft returned safely to base. The Libyan Air Force also conducted strikes in Derna, occupied by an IS affiliate since 2014. No militants were killed and 7 civilians were reportedly killed.{{cite news|title=Civilians killed as Egypt launches air strikes in Libya|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/02/egypt-bombs-isil-targets-libya-mass-beheadings-150216063339037.html|work=Al Jazeera|date=16 February 2015|access-date=17 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150217050115/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/02/egypt-bombs-isil-targets-libya-mass-beheadings-150216063339037.html|archive-date=17 February 2015|url-status=live}}

The lives of the martyrs have been detailed in a book by Martin Mosebach called The 21{{snd}}A Journey into the Land of Coptic Martyrs.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetablet.co.uk/columnists/3/15609/lots-of-coptic-clergy-were-rubbing-shoulders-with-members-of-the-bruderhof|title=Lots of Coptic clergy were rubbing shoulders with members of the Bruderhof|website=The Tablet|language=en|access-date=5 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191212020026/https://www.thetablet.co.uk/columnists/3/15609/lots-of-coptic-clergy-were-rubbing-shoulders-with-members-of-the-bruderhof|archive-date=12 December 2019|url-status=live}} An independent short film, [https://www.21martyrsfilm.com The 21], has been produced by a team of more than 70 artists from 24+ countries to honor the 21 martyrs and will debut for a global audience on February 15th, 2025 - the 10th anniversary of their death.{{Cite web |title=21 Martyrs Film |url=https://www.21martyrsfilm.com |access-date=2024-10-15 |website=21 Martyrs Film |language=en-US}} The 21, the Power of Faith: the Village of Martyrs,{{cite web |title=Les 21, la Puissance de la Foi: le village des martyrs |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mgJ0UaM_BU |website=Youtube | date=14 February 2024 |publisher=KTO TV}} a French documentary by Samuel Armnius was broadcast on KTO and screened at the Vatican Film Library on 15 February 2024.

File:Relics of the Coptic Libyan Martyrs.jpg

On 21 February 2015, seven days after their death, Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria canonized the 21 Coptic martyrs as saints.{{cite web | url=http://www.news.va/en/news/coptic-church-recognizes-martyrdom-of-21-coptic-ch | title=Coptic Church Recognizes Martyrdom of 21 Coptic Christians | date=21 February 2015 | access-date=21 February 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012065659/http://www.news.va/en/news/coptic-church-recognizes-martyrdom-of-21-coptic-ch | archive-date=12 October 2017 | url-status=live }} On 11 May 2023, Pope Francis met with Pope Tawadros II during general audiences to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Coptic Orthodox-Catholic agreement at Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome. In his speech, Francis announced that he intends to add the 21 martyrs to the Roman Martyrology. He said "these martyrs were baptized not only in water and the Spirit, but also in blood, with a blood that is a seed of unity for all followers of Christ. I am pleased to announce today that, with Your Holiness' consent, these 21 martyrs will be included in the Roman Martyrology as a sign of the spiritual communion uniting our two Churches."{{Cite web |date=2023-05-11 |title=Vatican formally recognizes 21 Coptic Orthodox killed in Libya as martyrs, gives them feast day |url=https://apnews.com/article/vatican-coptic-orthodox-martyrs-beheaded-libya-45937c3da0c43868ef33ceceaf6d8906 |access-date=2023-05-11 |website=AP News |language=en}}

During the audience, Tawadros II gave Francis relics with a small statue of the 21 martyrs and an egg-shaped Coptic icon of the Holy Family. Upon receiving the relics, Francis said "I will try to make an altar in one of our basilicas in honor of the martyrs."{{cite news |title=Coptic martyrs added to Catholic catalog of saints with goal of fostering friendship |url=https://www.romereports.com/en/2023/05/11/coptic-martyrs-added-to-catholic-catalog-of-saints-with-goal-of-fostering-friendship/ |access-date=13 May 2023 |work=Rome Reports |date=11 May 2023}}

On 15 February 2024, an ecumenical prayer service{{cite web |title=Memoria dei 21 Martiri Copti di Libia Preghiera Ecumenia |url=http://www.christianunity.va/content/dam/unitacristiani/Relazioni%20ecumeniche/Sezione_orientale/Chiese%20ortodosse%20orientali/Copti/2024%2002%2015%20Preghiera%2021%20Martiri%20Copti.docx.pdf |website=Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity |access-date=22 February 2024}} was held at the Choir Chapel of Saint Peter's Basilica to celebrate the first commemoration of the 21 Coptic Martyrs of Libya in the Catholic Church.{{cite web |title=First commemoration of the 21 Coptic Martyrs of Libya 16 Feb 2024 |url=http://www.christianunity.va/content/unitacristiani/en/news/2024/2024-02-16-premiere-commemoration-21-martyrs-coptes-de-libye.html |website=Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity |access-date=22 February 2024 |date=16 February 2024}} Cardinal Kurt Koch, prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, presided at the service and preached the homily.{{cite web |title=Omelia durante la celebrazione dei Vespri in commemorazione dei martiri copti ortodossi |url=http://www.christianunity.va/content/unitacristiani/en/cardinal-koch/2024/Omelie/Homily-during-the-celebration-of-Vespers-in-commemoration-of-coptic-orthodox-martyrs.html |website=Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity |access-date=22 February 2024}} The relics of the martyrs, given to Pope Francis by Pope Tawdros II, were placed on the altar for veneration. Afterwards, the documentary, The 21: The Power of Faith, was screened at the Vatican Film Library.{{cite web |last1=Tulloch |first1=Joseph |title=Vatican marks first Feast of Coptic Martyrs |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2024-02/vatican-coptic-martyrs-feast-first-ecumenical-prayer.html |website=Vatican News |date=16 February 2024 |access-date=22 February 2024}}{{cite web |last1=Viet |first1=Cyprien |title=A Vatican feast with Egyptian flavor: 21 Martyrs have 1st Catholic event |url=https://aleteia.org/2024/02/17/a-vatican-feast-with-egyptian-flavor-21-martyrs-have-1st-catholic-event/ |website=Aleteia |access-date=22 February 2024 |date=17 February 2014}}

They are venerated as saints and martyrs both in the Oriental Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church,{{cite web|title=The mysterious saint: Who is the 21st Coptic martyr now recognized by the Vatican?|date=11 May 2023 |url=https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/the-mysterious-saint-who-is-the-21st|access-date=14 February 2024}} and their feast day is celebrated every year on 15 February of the Gregorian calendar. The commemoration falls on the feast of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple which is 8 Amshir of the Coptic calendar; however, during a leap year, 8 Amshir corresponds with 16 February.

After the beheadings, the Coptic Church released the martyrs' names, but there were only 20 names. In the video, the 21st victim was of Black African descent, in contrast to the others, who were ethnic Copts. It was later learned that the 21st victim was named Matthew Ayariga and that he was from Ghana.{{cite web|url=http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=346906|title=Ghanaian beheaded in Libya?|website=www.ghanaweb.com|date=17 February 2015|access-date=30 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170629111104/http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=346906|archive-date=29 June 2017|url-status=live}} It is most likely that he was already a Christian, because sources reported that he said "I am a Christian and I am like them".{{cite web|url=http://www.copts-united.com/Article.php?I=3363&A=379812|title=الأقباط متحدون -حزن بين الأقباط لعدم دفن الشهيد الافريقى بجوار شهداء المنيا بالعور|access-date=21 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180521191722/http://www.copts-united.com/Article.php?I=3363&A=379812|archive-date=21 May 2018|url-status=live}} In October 2020, Christian News Now reported that "Ayariga was a Christian migrant worker from Ghana".{{Cite web|url=https://christiannewsnow.com/ghana-christian-martyred-by-isis-with-coptic-christians-finally-laid-to-rest/|title = Ghana Christian Martyred by ISIS with Coptic Christians Finally Laid to Rest|date = 14 October 2020}} In the book The 21: A Journey into the Land of Coptic Martyrs, Martin Mosebach, who traveled to Egypt to meet the families of the martyrs, also states that Ayariga said "I am a Christian".{{cite book |last=Mosebach |first=Martin |author-link= |date=2019 |title=The 21: A Journey into the Land of Coptic Martyrs |publisher=Plough Publishing House |page=113 |isbn=978-0-87486-839-5|translator-last=Price |translator-first=Alta}} However, according to some unnamed sources, he was not originally a Christian, but 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 killed for saying this.{{cite web | url=http://bombayorthodoxdiocese.org/what-made-a-non-believer-chadian-citizen-die-for-christ-along-with-his-20-coptic-christian-friends/ | title=21st Martyr | date=22 February 2015 | access-date=17 March 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150312223941/http://bombayorthodoxdiocese.org/what-made-a-non-believer-chadian-citizen-die-for-christ-along-with-his-20-coptic-christian-friends/ | archive-date=12 March 2015 | url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=http://www.bosnewslife.com/35141-african-man-turns-to-christ-moments-before-beheading#comments|title=African Man Turns To Christ Moments Before Beheading – BosNewsLife – Christian News Agency|website=www.bosnewslife.com|date=23 April 2015 |access-date=30 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825205726/http://www.bosnewslife.com/35141-african-man-turns-to-christ-moments-before-beheading#comments|archive-date=25 August 2017|url-status=live}} Ayariga's conversion has been compared to the conversion of Saint Aglaius, one of the 40 Martyrs of Sebaste.{{cite web |last1=Gregory |first1=DiPippo |title=The Feast of the Forty Martyrs |url=https://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2021/03/the-feast-of-forty-martyrs.html |website=New Liturgical Movement |access-date=22 February 2024 |date=10 March 2021}}

When the remains of the 21 bodies were found, the bodies of the 20 Egyptians were returned into Egypt.{{Cite web|url=https://www.copts-united.com/Article.php?I=3363&A=379812|title = الأقباط متحدون - حزن بين الأقباط لعدم دفن الشهيد الافريقى بجوار شهداء المنيا بالعور}} On September 29, 2020, Ayariga's remains were received in Egypt by the new church in Al Our,{{Cite web|url=https://en.wataninet.com/coptic-affairs-coptic-affairs/coptic-affairs/last-of-libya-martyrs-comes-home/33755/|title = Last of Libya Martyrs comes 'home'|date = 4 October 2020}} the Church of the Martyrs of Faith and Homeland, a shrine built in honor of the martyrs.{{Cite web|url=https://cruxnow.com/church-in-the-middle-east/2019/10/coptic-christians-in-egypt-fear-martyrs-are-being-forgotten/|title=Coptic Christians in Egypt fear martyrs are being forgotten|date=21 October 2019 }} The family members of the other martyrs "expressed their joy at the return of the remains of the martyr [Matthew Ayariga]", saying "Our joy is complete." Majid Shehata, a daughter of one of the martyrs, said, "It was a surprise to all of us that we see the remains of the martyr Matthew inside the Church of the Martyrs, and this is a long-awaited news and all the families are in great joy and we thank God for having responded to us in the return of the martyr."

After the expulsion of the IS fighters from Sirte, government authorities announced they had found the place where the bodies of the martyrs were buried. This was done after the government authorities and the Libyan army arrested one of the terrorists who was present during the slaughter.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/arabic/middleeast-41536772|title=ليبيا "تعثر على" رفات المصريين الأقباط ضحايا تنظيم الدولة|newspaper=BBC News عربي|date=7 October 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.copts-united.com/Article.php?I=3190&A=340952|title=الأقباط متحدون -استخراج جثاميين شهداء ليبيا من مقبرتهم وبدء الاستعداد لوصولهم مصر|access-date=15 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180516103204/http://www.copts-united.com/Article.php?I=3190&A=340952|archive-date=16 May 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.elwatannews.com/news/details/2588730|title=شقيق أحد الشهداء الأقباط في ليبيا: "فرحتنا برجوع رفاتهم كأنهم أحياء"|date=7 October 2017|access-date=15 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180516015410/https://www.elwatannews.com/news/details/2588730|archive-date=16 May 2018|url-status=live}} The Libyan Attorney General ordered cooperation with the Egyptian authorities to send DNA samples from the families of the martyrs to be compared with DNA samples from the remains.{{cite web|url=https://www.copts-united.com/Article.php?I=3157&A=340933|title=الأقباط متحدون -ننفرد بنشر أول صور لاستخراج رفاه شهداء العور بليبيا|access-date=15 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180516014613/https://www.copts-united.com/Article.php?I=3157&A=340933|archive-date=16 May 2018|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.wataninet.com/2017/11/%D8%A3%D8%B3%D8%B1-%D8%B4%D9%87%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A7-%D9%8A%D8%AC%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%86-%D8%AA%D8%AD%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%8A%D9%84-dna-%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B7%D8%A7%D8%A8%D9%82%D8%AA/ |title =أسر شهداء ليبيا يجرون تحاليل "DNA" لمطابقتها مع جثامين أبنائهم – وطنى |access-date=18 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190521181019/http://www.wataninet.com/2017/11/%D8%A3%D8%B3%D8%B1-%D8%B4%D9%87%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A7-%D9%8A%D8%AC%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%86-%D8%AA%D8%AD%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%8A%D9%84-dna-%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B7%D8%A7%D8%A8%D9%82%D8%AA/ |archive-date=21 May 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/37757/coptic-orthodox-to-dedicate-church-to-new-martyrs-of-libya|title=Coptic Orthodox to dedicate church to New Martyrs of Libya|access-date=15 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180516103343/https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/coptic-orthodox-to-dedicate-church-to-new-martyrs-of-libya-78447|archive-date=16 May 2018|url-status=live}}

Later, it was ascertained that the remains belonged to the martyrs after comparing the families' DNA samples sent by the Egyptian Forensic Medicine Authority with the DNA samples taken from the remains by the Libyan Forensic Medicine Commission.{{cite web | url=https://www.alarabiya.net/ar/arab-and-world/egypt/2018/05/14/مصر-تستعد-لاستقبال-ودفن-رفات-ضحايا-داعش-ليبيا.html | title=مصر: وصول رفات 20 قبطياً قتلهم داعش في سرت الليبية | date=14 May 2018 }}{{Cite web |url=https://dbonfrdgauzmg.cloudfront.net/news/details/1204745 |title = مطرانية سمالوط تستعد لاستقبال جثامين الأقباط ضحايا داعش في ليبيا {{!}} المصري اليوم |access-date=15 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180516014721/https://dbonfrdgauzmg.cloudfront.net/news/details/1204745 |archive-date=16 May 2018 |url-status=dead }}

On 15 May 2018, the remains of the 20 Egyptians were returned to the Church of Martyrs of the Faith and Homeland, which was built for and named after them in Martyrs' Village (formerly Al-Aour, Al-Awar, or Al-Our; {{langx|arz|قرية العور}}), Minya governorate.{{cite web|url=http://www.copts-united.com/Article.php?I=3361&A=379328|title=الأقباط متحدون -عاجل : تعرف علي تفاصيل نقل رفات شهداء ليبيا ؟|access-date=15 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180516102956/http://www.copts-united.com/Article.php?I=3361&A=379328|archive-date=16 May 2018|url-status=live}} A special shrine was built in which the remains were laid so that people can visit them. Churches and monasteries' bells were rung all over Egypt when the remains arrived at Cairo International Airport from Misrata Airport in Libya;{{citation needed|date=December 2020}} celebrations of the return of the remains to their homeland. They were received by Pope Tawadros II, a large number of priests, Ambassador Nabila Makram, the Egyptian minister of immigration and Egyptians affairs abroad, and other state officials at the airport.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-libya-egypt/tears-and-joy-as-egyptian-christians-killed-in-libya-laid-to-rest-idUSKCN1IG2JU|title=Tears and joy as Egyptian Christians killed in Libya laid to rest|first=Mostafa|last=Salem|newspaper=Reuters|date=15 May 2018|access-date=15 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180515191718/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-libya-egypt/tears-and-joy-as-egyptian-christians-killed-in-libya-laid-to-rest-idUSKCN1IG2JU|archive-date=15 May 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.albawabhnews.com/3103703|title=وزير الهجرة: استقبال رفات شهداء الأقباط واجب رسمي وإنساني|date=15 May 2018|access-date=15 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180516014813/http://www.albawabhnews.com/3103703|archive-date=16 May 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.copts-united.com/Article.php?I=3361&A=379448|title=الأقباط متحدون -البابا يتوجه للمطار بانتظار رفات شهداء مذبحة ليبيا|access-date=15 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180516014704/http://www.copts-united.com/Article.php?I=3361&A=379448|archive-date=16 May 2018|url-status=live}} A Mass was held, presided over by Bishop of Samalut Anba Baphnotius.{{cite web|url=http://www.copts-united.com/Article.php?I=3361&A=379675|title=الأقباط متحدون – الأنبا بفنوتيوس يترأس صلاة جناز شهداء ليبيا|access-date=15 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180516103048/http://www.copts-united.com/Article.php?I=3361&A=379675|archive-date=16 May 2018|url-status=live}}

One year later, on 25 July 2019, the Coptic Church officially requested the Libyan Embassy in Cairo ship Ayariga's body to Egypt. Anba Pavnotios dispatched an official delegation to meet Chargé d'affaires of the Libyan Embassy, Fawzy al-Mabrouk Tantoush.

The delegation included the priests of the Cathedral of the Martyrs of the Faith and Homeland in Al-Our, Friars Marcos Atef and Epiphanius Yunan, Nevine Ragy, General Manager of Schools and Projects of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Samalut, and Nader Shukry, Member of the board on the Church of the Martyrs of the Faith and Homeland, and coordinator of crisis management for the martyrs' families. The Libyan Embassy's social attaché Hussein Al-Bashir Shafsha also attended the meeting.

The Egyptian delegation handed Tantoush a letter from Anba Pavnotios requesting that the body of Ayariga be brought to Egypt "to be joined with his Coptic brothers in their final resting place". The Metropolitan said the Church would give all the necessary legal pledges and guarantees to honour the rights of all parties should his country ask to have him back.{{Cite web|url=http://en.wataninet.com/coptic-affairs-coptic-affairs/sectarian/coptic-church-requests-body-of-ghanaian-beheaded-by-daesh-in-libya-in-2015/30235/|title=Coptic Church requests body of Ghanaian beheaded by Daesh in Libya in 2015|date=2 July 2019|website=Watani|language=en-US|access-date=20 January 2020}}

In 2019, the Libyan government agreed to transfer Ayariga's body to Egypt. His remains were transferred to Egypt and laid to rest with the other martyrs at the end of September 2020.{{Cite web|url=https://news.barnabasfund.org/Egyptian-Church-claims-remains-of-last-of-21-Christians-martyred-by-Islamic-State-in-Libya/|title=Egyptian Church claims remains of last of 21 Christians martyred by Islamic State in Libya | Barnabas Fund|access-date=23 October 2020|archive-date=20 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020223845/https://news.barnabasfund.org/Egyptian-Church-claims-remains-of-last-of-21-Christians-martyred-by-Islamic-State-in-Libya/|url-status=dead}}

{{columns-list|

• Bishoy Adel Khalaf
• Samuel Alhoam Wilson
• Hany Abdel-Masih Salib
• Melad Mackeen Zaki
• Abanoub Ayad Attia
• Ezzat Bushra Nassif
• Yousef Shokry Younan
• Kirillos Shukry Fawzy
• Majed Suleiman Shehata
• Samuel Stéphanos Kamel
• Malak Ibrahim Siniot
• Bishoy Stéphanos Kamel
• Mena Fayez Aziz
• Girgis Melad Sniout
• Tawadros Youssef Tawadros
• Essam Badr Samir
• Luke Ngati
• Jaber Mounir Adly
• Malak Faraj Abram
• Sameh Salah Farouk
• Matthew Ayariga{{cite web|url=http://www.ahram-canada.com/50972/|title=ماثيو " شهيد المسيح " قريبا فى مصر . – جريدة الأهرام الجديد الكندية|access-date=21 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201030649/http://www.ahram-canada.com/50972/|archive-date=1 December 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://davidalton.net/2016/02/12/february-anniversary-of-the-brutal-murder-of-21-coptic-christians-in-libya-one-year-ago/|title=February anniversary of the brutal murder of 21 Coptic Christians in Libya one year ago.|date=12 February 2016|access-date=13 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213080754/https://davidalton.net/2016/02/12/february-anniversary-of-the-brutal-murder-of-21-coptic-christians-in-libya-one-year-ago/|archive-date=13 February 2018|url-status=live}}

}}

Source: {{Cite web |url=http://www.youm7.com/story/2015/2/16/%D9%86%D9%86%D8%B4%D8%B1-%D8%A3%D8%B3%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D8%B4%D9%87%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D9%85%D8%B5%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%8021-%D8%B6%D8%AD%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%A5%D8%B1%D9%87%D8%A7%D8%A8-%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B9%D8%B4-%D9%81%D9%89-%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A7/2068977 |title = ننشر أسماء شهداء مصر الـ21 ضحية إرهاب "داعش" فى ليبيا - اليوم السابع |access-date=18 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180325100855/http://www.youm7.com/story/2015/2/16/%D9%86%D9%86%D8%B4%D8%B1-%D8%A3%D8%B3%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D8%B4%D9%87%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D9%85%D8%B5%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%8021-%D8%B6%D8%AD%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%A5%D8%B1%D9%87%D8%A7%D8%A8-%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B9%D8%B4-%D9%81%D9%89-%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A7/2068977 |archive-date=25 March 2018 |url-status=live }}

• The 21
• Persecution of Copts
• Copts in Libya
• List of Catholic saints
• List of venerated persons from Africa
• List of Coptic saints
• Islamic State beheading incidents
• Christian martyr
• New Martyr

{{notelist}}

{{reflist|30em}}

• [https://www.lacopts.org/news/updated-list-of-the-names-of-the-new-martyrs-of-libya/ Updated list of the names of the new martrys of Libya]

{{Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}}

{{Catholic saints}}

{{Coptic saints}}

{{Persecution of Christians}}

{{Subject bar|portal1=Saints |portal2=Biography|portal3=Catholicism|portal4=Christianity|portal5=Egypt|portal6=Libya}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Libya Copts beheadings}}

Category:21st-century Christian martyrs

Category:Coptic Orthodox saints

Category:Egyptian Roman Catholic saints

Category:Christian martyrs executed by decapitation

Category:Christian saints killed by Muslims

Category:Coptic history

Category:Groups of Christian martyrs of the Late Modern era

Category:ISIL terrorist incidents in Libya

Category:Mass murder in 2015

Category:People beheaded by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant

Category:Persecution of Copts by ISIL

Category:Terrorist incidents in Africa in 2015

Category:21st-century mass murder in Libya

Category:Victims of Islamic terrorism

Category:2015 murders in Libya

Category:21st-century venerated Christians

Category:History of Sirte

Category:Killing of captives by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant

Category:February 2015 in Libya

Category:February 2015 crimes in Africa