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 after that. In a profound act of charity, Jacob distributed his inherited wealth among the poor and freed his inherited slaves, declaring, "The wealth of the world shall belong to the world."

Known for his miraculous works in popular legend, Jacob healed the sick, restored sight to the blind, and even raised the dead. His prayers were so powerful that they halted natural elements; it rained on his command, and the sun stood still. During the attack on Edessa by Khosrow I, his prayers saved the city, terrifying Khosrow with a dreadful vision. Jacob's fame spread across the East, attracting the attention of Empress Theodora, a devout supporter of Syrian Christians. Though initially reluctant, he eventually traveled to Constantinople around AD 528, where he spent fifteen years in a monastery.

Despite being received with honors by Theodora, Jacob faced a hostile court led by Emperor Justinian, who sought to enforce the Chalcedonian decrees by imperial fiat rather than by synodal persuasion and agreement. These decrees led to the imprisonment, deprivation, and exile of many non-compliant bishops and clergy. Al-Harith ibn Jabalah al-Ghassani, a Christian Arab sheikh, intervened on behalf of Jacob, securing him some freedom. Around AD 541, in an act of defiance against the emperor, Jacob was consecrated as the Bishop of Edessa by other bishops imprisoned with him.

Jacob's zeal and tireless efforts saved the Syriac Church from destruction and imperial takeover during a time of severe persecution. Rejecting the imperial authority to proclaim and enforce Church councils, especially when there were valid questions of episcopal dissent, the Syriac Church always argued for the separation and superiority of the Church to the State. Jacob's relentless missionary work to resist the State’s co-opting of the Church saw him travel extensively across Asia Minor, Syria, Mesopotamia, and the borders of Persia. He ordained 89 bishops and two patriarchs, often evading imperial arrest in his beggar's disguise, aided by sympathetic Arab tribes and local communities.

Known by the nickname of “Baradaeus,” meaning “ragged clothing,” Jacob's humble attire symbolized his dedication to his mission. His journeys through Syria and Mesopotamia, clad in patched saddle blankets, were legendary. John of Ephesus recounts that Jacob wore his coarse garments until they became completely tattered. Despite the political and religious turmoil of his time, Jacob's efforts ensured the survival and growth of Syriac Orthodoxy, earning it the name "Jacobite Church."

The Blessed Jacob Baradaeus died on July 30, 578, in the monastery of Romanus or Cassianus. His 37-year episcopate and 73-year life left a lasting legacy. His remains were initially kept at the monastery of Cassianus before being transferred to Phaselita Monastery near his birthplace, and from there, to multiple places of importance in Syriac Christianity around the world. 

COLLECT

O ALMIGHTY GOD, Who didst raise up Thy servant Jacob Baradaeus to defend and renew thy Holy Church in times of great trial and persecution: Grant, we beseech Thee, that by his example, we may be steadfast in the true faith, resisting political pressure and persecution, and ever be bold to witness unto the truth of thy holy Gospel; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.