Day of the Christian Martyr remembers thousands killed for their faith

Release International is marking Day of the Christian Martyr today, 29 June, to remember those killed for their faith. 

The charity, which supports persecuted Christians in dozens of countries, estimates that some 4,000 Christians die each year for their faith - 11 every day. 

"Each year, churches around the world remember the deaths of the apostles Peter and Paul on that date. But two millennia later, the killings of Christians continues," said Release CEO Paul Robinson.

"So on this day, we encourage Christians in the UK to stand with the suffering church worldwide – to honour them and let their lives and stories challenge us in our faith and witness."

The day is being marked by a Facebook Live event at 7pm, which will be joined by the daughter of Rev Hussain Soodmand, an Iranian convert who was hanged for apostasy. 

"The story of Rev Hussain Soodmand is told by his daughter. It reminds us afresh of the need to keep praying for all those Christians who have converted to Christ from Islam," said Robinson.

"In many places they risk paying the ultimate price for following Jesus."

Others being remembered today are Christians from North Korea, where there believed to be 30,000 Christian prisoners in hard labour camps, and Pakistan and Sri Lanka, where Christians have been targeted in suicide bombings.

"The message in this current pandemic is every day matters – so make your life count," said Robinson.

"The Day of the Christian Martyr is our chance to stand with our brothers and sisters in Christ who have given their lives for their faith – and to be inspired by their example."

A resource pack has been made available for download here.  The Facebook event can be watched here

News
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message

The Pope asked people to pray in particular for the "tormented people of Ukraine" in his Christmas Day 'Urbi et Orbi' message. 

Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?
Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?

The carol says, “Good King Wenceslas last looked out on the Feast of Stephen.” In many countries, December 26, also known as Boxing Day, is better known as St Stephen’s Day. Stephen was the first Christian martyr. This is the story …

King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address
King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address

King Charles III used his Christmas Day speech to reflect on the significance of pilgrimage as he appealed to the nation "to cherish the values of compassion and reconciliation". 

2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book
2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book

One of the most-studied Bible verses of the year is from 2 Timothy in the New Testament, according to an analysis of millions of Bible study sessions that tracked how believers worldwide are engaging with Scripture.