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Martyrdom of Sidhom Bishay in 1844
When the Russian Caesar sent his delegates to offer putting the Coptic Church under the protection of Caesar, Pope Peter VII politely and graciously refused the proposal by asking, "Does your Caesar live forever?" When the envoy answered that he would die like all human beings, the Pope told him that he preferred that the Protector of the Church would be her true Shepherd, the King of Kings that does not die. The delegates admired the Pope's faith and patriotism, and left after taking his blessings.
Also during the papacy of this holy father, St. Sidhom Bishay [http://www.copticchurch.net/synaxarium/7_17.html#4] was [[Martyr|martyred]] in Damietta on [[March 25]], 1844 A.D. after enduring extreme torture for the Name of the Lord [[Jesus Christ|Christ]]. His martyrdom made possible the raising of the [[Cross]] during Christian funeral processions openly, for this was forbidden before.
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