BL. GREGORY BAR HEBREUS (JULY 30TH)

Edited by Bp. Joseph (Ancient Church of the West)

Today, the Ancient Church remembers Gregory Bar Hebraeus, a luminary of the 13th century whose extraordinary contributions to philosophy, theology, medicine, and ecclesiastical unity continue to inspire the faithful. Born in AD 1226 in Melitene (modern-day Malatya, Turkey), Bar Hebraeus, also known as Abu al-Faraj and Jamal al-Din, was a prodigious scholar, whose life and works offer a profound example of sanctity, intellect, and unity within the Church. 

The Blessed Gregory Bar Hebraeus was born to a noble Christian family. already Christian from a Jewish background for several generations before his birth. His father, Aaron, was a respected physician, and it was under his tutelage that young Gregory began his initial studies in medicine. However, his intellectual curiosity and spiritual fervor led him to delve deeply into a wide array of subjects, including Syriac and Arabic languages, Calligraphy, Church rites, Holy Scripture, and the commentaries and histories of the Church Fathers. His family's relocation to Antioch due to civil disturbances provided him the opportunity to further his education under various esteemed teachers of both Eastern and Western Syriac Schools. 

In AD 1244, disenchanted with worldly pursuits, Bar Hebraeus embraced the monastic life. His profound piety and relentless pursuit of knowledge distinguished him early on. By AD 1246, he was consecrated as the bishop of Gubos by Patriarch Ignatius III David. His ecclesiastical journey saw him serve in several dioceses, including Aleppo and Laqabin, before his appointment as Maphrian (Catholicos) of the East in AD 1264 by Patriarch Ignatius IV Yeshu. 

Bar Hebraeus' scholarly output was vast and varied. His works encompassed theology, philosophy, history, linguistics, and poetry. Notably, his encyclopedic work "Hewath Hekhmetha" ("The Cream of Science") compiled contemporary knowledge across numerous disciplines, reflecting his mastery of Aristotelian philosophy. His "Awsar Raze" ("Storehouse of Secrets") is a monumental commentary on the entire Bible, employing a rigorous critical approach by referencing multiple translations and interpretations. 

His historical writings, including the "Chronicon Syriacum" and the "Chronicon Ecclesiasticum," provide invaluable insights into both secular and ecclesiastical histories, making use of almost all available records and sources of his time. 

Bar Hebraeus' theological perspective was marked by a vision of unity amongst politically and ecclesiastically conflicted Christian communities. Despite the theological and doctrinal disputes of his era, he sought common ground among different Christian traditions, harmonizing the Antiochene Tradition of Christology and Hebraic liturgical expression with the Greek-oriented and philosophical inclinations of the Western Churches. His works reflect a commitment to a comprehensive and inclusive understanding of Christian doctrine, which resonates with the principles of the contemporary efforts of the Chambésy Agreement—an effort in modern times to foster unity between the Coptic and Antiochian Orthodox Churches. This understanding also aligns with the ecclesiological views of the Syriac, Assyrian, Armenian, Malankara, Marthoma, and Anglocatholic Oxford Fathers, emphasizing the unity of the Church in the Nicene Faith and Jesus Christ’s Full Divinity and Full Humanity, leading to a sacramental system of recognizable Apostolic parameters, amidst hierarchical, linguistic, cultural and liturgical diversity. 

Beyond his intellectual achievements, the Blessed Bar Hebraeus was revered as a mystic and miracle-worker. His deep spiritual life and commitment to ascetic practices endowed him with a reputation for holiness and miraculous intercessions. Stories of his miracles and his profound spiritual writings, such as the "Book of the Dove," an ascetical guide, continue to inspire and guide the faithful in their spiritual journeys. 

As we remember Bl. Gregory Bar Hebraeus, we are called to emulate his dedication to learning, his commitment to ecclesiastical unity, and his profound spirituality. His life challenges us to seek knowledge, fostering unity within the Body of Christ through deep study, self-sacrifice, truthful repentance, and historical accuracy, and deepen our relationship with God through prayer and ascetic practice. 

COLLECT 

O ALMIGHTY GOD, who didst endow Thy servant Gregory Bar Hebraeus with manifold gifts of learning and holiness: Grant that we, following his example, may seek Thy truth with our minds, love Thee with our hearts, and serve Thee with our lives, bringing about unity within Orthodoxy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.