Saint Barsimaeus
Saint Barsimaeus (also known as Barsamya or Barshebya; died c. 197–250 AD) was an early bishop of Edessa (present-day Şanlıurfa, Turkey), a city of great significance in early Christian history as one of the first kingdoms to adopt Christianity as its royal religion. Edessa is associated with the legend of King Abgar (who reportedly corresponded with Jesus) and with the famous Image of Edessa (the Mandylion). Barsimaeus is said to have converted Abgar IX (or his court officials) and to have led the Christian community of Edessa in the late second or early third century. His feast day is January 30.
Stored in Cargo: Saint Barsimaeus
| Saint Barsimaeus | |
|---|---|
| Feast Day | January 30 |
| Profession | Bishop |
| Rel. Affiliation | Early Church of Edessa (Syriac Christianity) |
| Attributes | Bishop's vestments |
| Birthplace | Edessa, Osroene (present-day Şanlıurfa, Turkey) |
| Death Place | Edessa, Osroene (present-day Şanlıurfa, Turkey) |
| Cause of Death | Martyrdom or natural causes (accounts vary) |
| Liturgical Class | Not included (universal calendar) |
| Historic Class | Not included |
Biography
Barsimaeus served as bishop of Edessa in the late second or early third century. Edessa (Urfa) was the capital of the kingdom of Osroene, a semi-independent buffer state between the Roman and Parthian empires whose ruling house had adopted Christianity—making it one of the first political entities in history to do so. The Syriac-speaking Christian community of Edessa was the seedbed of the entire East Syriac tradition that eventually spread as far as China and India.
Barsimaeus is credited in the Syriac hagiographic tradition with extending and consolidating Christianity in the Edessa region. He is included in Eastern martyrological tradition and in the Roman Martyrology.
Significant events
- Served as bishop of Edessa in the late 2nd or early 3rd century.
- Led the Christian community of one of the earliest Christianized kingdoms.
- Feast established on January 30.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Edessa, Osroene (present-day Şanlıurfa, Turkey)
Death location: Edessa, Osroene (present-day Şanlıurfa, Turkey)
Notable location: City of his episcopal see; one of the earliest centers of Christianity (Edessa (present-day Şanlıurfa), Turkey)
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Feast day
January 30
Veneration
Saint Barsimaeus is venerated in the Roman Catholic Church with a feast day on January 30. He is also honored in the Syriac Orthodox Church and Assyrian Church of the East traditions.
Prayers
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