ST. MAR SHARBEL OF EDESA (SEPTEMBER 6TH)
St. Sharbel the Martyr Edited by Bp. Joseph ( Ancient Church of the West ) On this day, the Syriac Churches commemorate the life and martyrdom of St. Mar Sharbel of Edesa, who, once a high priest of the pagan gods, came to embrace the light of Christ. His story is preserved in the ancient Syriac document “The Acts of Sharbel,” which recounts his remarkable conversion and the persecution he endured for his faith in the early second century, during the reign of Emperor Trajan. Before his conversion, Sharbel was the high priest of Edessa, serving in the temples of the gods Nebu and Bel. He was responsible for leading the people in sacrifices and rituals, especially during the great festival of Akitu, which honored the pagan deities. At this time, Trajan Caesar decreed that all citizens of the empire must worship the gods, and his governors enforced this edict with zeal. Bishop Barsamya, deeply distressed by the order, along with Priest Tiridath and Deacon Shalula, sought to reason wi...
