Christian martyrs

“Potentially thousands” of Christians remain in Afghanistan today and face “profound challenges,” said the chief for the anti-Christian persecution organization Voice of the Martyrs

On June 29, the Orthodox Church honours the memory of the great apostles Peter and Paul. 

The celebration is of ancient origin, the date selected being the anniversary of either their death or the translation of their relics.

On the third day after Christmas Eve, the Orthodox Church commemorates Saint Stephan's day. Saint Stephan is the first martyr for the Christian faith.

He is the creator of the first Christian community which is why he was tried and stoned to death by Jewish authorities in 37 AD.

The latest issue of a children’s magazine published by the Turkish Presidency of Religious Affairs, a government service and the country’s highest national religious body, contains a series of cartoons glorifying martyrdom. The colourful cartoons in the book feature parents talking with young children that promotes the idea of religious martyrdom.