Prayer and Fasting
What is the Calendar of the Martyrs?
The Calendar of the Martyrs, also called Anno Martyrum, is the Coptic calendar era associated with the persecution under Diocletian. It teaches the Church to remember the martyrs as part of her living identity.
Why This Calendar Matters
The calendar does more than count days. It carries memory. Each Coptic year quietly says that the Church's life is marked by witness to Christ, endurance, and resurrection hope.
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.
How It Relates To Nayrouz
Nayrouz begins the Coptic year. That is why the Coptic New Year is also a remembrance of the martyrs and a call to begin the year with thanksgiving and courage.
Why The Name Matters
The name keeps memory active. The Coptic year quietly says that the Church's identity is marked by confession, suffering, endurance, and resurrection hope. It is a calendar of witness before it is a calendar of dates.
- The Coptic New Year, Mighty Angels Magazine, SUSCopts. Introductory teaching on Nayrouz, the Coptic New Year, and the Calendar of the Martyrs.
- Rejoice Always, Pray Without Ceasing, and in Everything Give Thanks, Mighty Angels Magazine, SUSCopts. Pastoral letter on Nayrouz as a time to remember the martyrs and begin the Coptic year with prayer and thanksgiving.
- Martyrdom, Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. Diocesan overview of martyrdom in the history and spirituality of the Church.
- History of the Coptic Orthodox Church, Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. Overview of the Church of Alexandria, St. Mark, and Coptic Christian history.
Nayrouz: The Coptic New Year and the beginning of the Calendar of the Martyrs, a feast remembering faithful witness and renewal.
Confession: The sacrament of repentance in which a person confesses sins before God in the presence of the priest and receives absolution and guidance.