Mar Abhai, the Martyr – Oct 1/July 15/Jul 22

Mar Abhai, saint, and martyr, ascetic, born in a village Raksan in Mardin, Turkey in the middle of the fourth century BC. Abhai abandoned the world, gave all his wealth to the poor and joined a Dyayra (monastery). He had recourse to ascetic life in the mountain of Karkar and also constructed Monastery on the top of the Karkar hill, near Mardin, which bore his name, Abhai’s Monastery, which was also known as the ‘Monastery of Ladders’. He was ordained a priest by Christopher, the bishop of Mardin and was later ordained Bishop of Nicaea and he ruled the Church for 32 years.

Mar Abhai is remembered as the elect one in the Fifth Thubden (Diptychs). He was selected by his friend Emperor Theodosius II to defend the Nicene faith. However, he is not mentioned by other historians, nor his name is included in the table of the bishops of Nicaea. Mar Jacob of Serugh composed is also a poem in praising and eulogising the Saint Abhai.

In A.D. 1185 the Patriarch Michael Rabo, the Great, improved and regularised the history of Mar Abhai. During the reign of King Theodosius II, bones of so many people considered to be saints were preserved. On Abhai’s advice it was decided to examine their authenticity. All these bones were put in fire. Many were consumed by fire, but some remained glowing. They were duly preserved with all respect and many believers received blessings from them.

We do not doubt his existence and ascetic life but doubt the time in which he lived, and the activities ascribed to him during his episcopate. He reformed the working of the monasteries during his time, that had effective results. He is a patron saint against poisonous reptiles. Saint Abhai is not to be confused with the 4th-century Syriac martyr Abai or Abhai (teacher), the instructor or teacher of Abhai the general, or Mar Abhai, from the land of Gargar. Mar Abhai featured in writing of John of Ephesus. He was acclaimed as a saint even while living and many people received blessings and healing through his intercession. He is said to have lived for over 110 years. when he died in 455. His funeral procession was attended by over 1400 priests.

His feast day is celebrated on July 15/July 22 and May 3 and on October 1, along with Mar Addai and Mar Malke.