The Pillar

Home
About
News
Pillar Posts
Analysis
Interviews
Explainers
On Leo's Desk
Data
Pillar Columns
Starting Seven
The Pillar Podcast
Sunday School
Look Closer
The Pillar TL;DR
News

The mysterious saint: Who is the 21st Coptic martyr now recognized by the Vatican?

Matthew Ayariga will be inscribed in the Roman Martyrology. But his path to martyrdom remains obscure.

Luke Coppen
May 11, 2023
∙ Paid

Matthew Ayariga is one of only 21 people officially recognized as 21st-century martyrs by both the Coptic Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church. 

But he has a further distinction: He is the only one among the 21 who was not a Coptic Orthodox Christian. He may not have been a Catholic either.

An Islamic State leader holds Matthew Ayariga, left, by the co…

This post is for paid subscribers

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in
© 2025 The Pillar · Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start your SubstackGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture