THE BLESSED JACOB BARADAEUS (JULY 31ST)
A Contemporary Syriac Orthodox Icon of Mor Jacob Baradaeus Edited by Bp. Joseph ( Ancient Church of the West ) Today, the Syriac Church commemorates the remarkable life of Jacob Baradaeus (AD 503-578), also known as Jacob Bar Addai or Jacob Bar Theophilus. Born in Tella Mouzalat near Nisbis, about 55 miles east of Edessa, he was the son of Theophilus Bar-Manu, a priest of the Syriac Church. His parents, unable to conceive for a long time, dedicated him to God as part of a vow. At the tender age of two, Jacob was placed under the care of Abbot Eustathius, the head of the Phaselita Monastery, where he mastered Greek, Classical Syriac, and the principles of asceticism. Jacob's devotion to Christ was unwavering even from a young age. When his mother visited the monastery and wanted to take him home, he refused, stating, "I am completely devoted to Christ and my mother has no share in me." Tragically, his mother died about a year later, followed by his father three years afte...
