On 15 February, the anniversary of the martyrdom of the 21 executed by ISIS terrorists in Libya in 2015, the Coptic Orthodox Church worldwide commemorated the lives of its contemporary martyrs.

'The 21' as they have now been recognized, were 20 Coptic Orthodox Christians from Upper Egypt, with the 21st being their Ghanaian friend, Matthew. Contemporary Martyrs' Day presents an opportunity to celebrate the lives of these and others who faithfully lived their Christian Faith until their last breath, while also providing a platform to raise awareness and advocate for all those who are persecuted solely for their faith or belief.

This year's online event on 15 February 2023 saw contributions from His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Mr. Robert Voss CBE CStJ, His Eminence Archbishop Angaelos, Coptic Orthodox Archbishop of London, Papal Legate to the United Kingdom and Founder and Director of Refcemi, The Rt Revd Philip Mounstephen, Bishop of Truro, Fiona Bruce MP, Prime Minister's Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, Mervyn Thomas CMG, founder of CSW and Chair of the UK FoRB Forum, Gareth Russell, Founder and Director of Jersey Road PR, His Grace Bishop Hovakim, Primate of the Armenian Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, Nadine Maenza, President of the International Religious Freedom Secretariat and The Rt Revd Christopher Chessun, Bishop of Southwark. The event was moderated by Dr. Ewelina Ochab, Deputy Director of Refcemi.