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Modern-day martyrs at the hands of ISIS
Exclusive: Marisa Martin illustrates how brave men are remembered
In 2015, the entire world was mesmerized as every horror movie seemed to converge in the sands of the Libyan desert. That February, 21 Christian men were ritually slaughtered in one of the first scripted and elaborately produced acts of terror created specifically to be broadcast. Horrific carnage splashed across the estimated five billion screens around the world at once.
Leading up to the climatic blood-letting was a 40-day Islamic “promotional” campaign. ISIS members repeatedly demanded the Christians convert to Islam, making it clear this was their only way out. Prisoners refused in resolute and total unity. It was like looking at gods circled by mangy, snarling creatures.
Cameras recorded a row of stoic faces against the backdrop of the sea. Except for whispered prayers, the men were solemn and silent, ignoring cameras and threats. Prisoners were taking on an otherworldly aura by then, inviting astonishment more than pity.
In response to the carnage, there was universal outrage. Media glorified the peaceful martyrs and vilified armed ISIS terrorists. The UN rushed to make resolutions, and even kept them. Cultural capitalists in Hollywood took on anti-ISIS projects, and films against Islamic venom are lined up to come out soon.
Wait, you didn’t see any of that either? The sorry truth is that people have neither the attention span or interest. But the Eastern Church traditionally honors its martyrs, and has had 2,000 years to perfect it. One way is through making icons for commemoration and admiration of their saints.
All but one of the young men were Egyptian, and 13 were from one small village 125 miles south of Cairo, Al Aour. As most of Egypt’s Christians, they belonged to the Coptic Orthodox Church based in Alexandria.
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