The Coptic Christians really appreciate martyrdom and many of them hope one day they will go to heaven as martyrs. This fact coincides with the terrorist attacks that have been targeting Coptic churches for years at feasts to turn the prayers into funerals and the celebrations into mourning.
As a Copt, I should say that losing one’s life is considered heavenly gift for the martyr, and we have always been proud that the Coptic Church has offered a lot of martyrs since its very beginning.
I believe such appreciation to martyrdom in the Coptic Church comes as sacrificing one blood was considered the greatest offering and sacrifice to make. However, I believe that there are even greater sacrifice and continues suffering that can be more painful than martyrdom.
In such terrorist attacks, dozens of people died and those have rested in peace and received glory on earth and in heaven according to the Coptic believes. Yet, the families that have lost a son, a father, a daughter, a mother, a wife, or a friend will live forever in suffering. Those are offering greater sacrifice. Moreover, those who were severely injured in such attack and will live the rest of their lives in pain as disabled are being killed each day of their lives.
