By his blood, the era of systematic martyrdom led by the Roman Empire against Christianity came to an end. He is Pope Boutros XVII, who was called the Seal of the Martyrs as he was the last martyr among his children at that time during the ages of martyrdom.
In his article on Pope Peter the Seal of the Martyrs , Abba Bakhomius, Bishop of Behaira and Matrouh, talked about the spiritual lessons learned from the Biography of this Patriarch. First lesson is the discipleship as he was taught by the Patriarch Thaouna XVI all details of Christian faith, the same faith of the Fathers of the Church.
The second lesson is to defend the true faith, by declaring the teachings of Arius were wrong and contrary to the true faith. He also was keen on the unity of the Church and did his best to prevent divisions because of heresies.
The third lesson we learn from the biography of this saint is giving great concern to the holy sacraments. He assured the importance of baptism for children, even if they are sick in order to ensure their heavenly membership in the church.
We also learn from his love to his congregation, and asked the soldiers who executed him to take him from backdoor in order to avoid getting his children hurt if they watch him die. He accepted martyrdom asking God to make him the Seal of Martyrs of this time.
Let us learn from this saint the power of prayer in order to preserve our church from all the kinds of persecution and divisions that are more severe than external persecutions.
