MAR QARDAGH OF ARBELA (AUGUST 23RD)

A Zoroastrian Depiction of Qardagh Before His Christian Conversion, Showing Him in Silver and Gold as a Mighty Warrior

By Bp. Joseph (Ancient Church of the West) 

Mar Qardagh, celebrated on August 23rd, is a martyr and saint venerated in all Orthodox Churches, especially within the Assyrian and Syriac traditions. His life and death illustrate the timeless Christian themes of faith, courage, and sacrifice in the face of persecution, and his legacy resonates deeply with besieged Christian faithful around the world. Mar Qardagh is particularly remembered for his undefeated military record, his dramatic conversion to Christianity, and his ultimate martyrdom under the reign of the Persian king Shapur II.

EARLY LIFE AND MILITARY CAREER

Born in the early 4th century in Arbela (modern-day Erbil, Iraq), Qardagh was a nobleman from an influential family within the Sassanian Empire. A renowned military commander, Qardagh gained favor with King Shapur II for his strategic brilliance as a warrior and strategic victories in battle. He was respected in court as a noble and reliable man, and known for his pagan devotion, offering sacrifices to the Zoroastrian gods. As was the custom of the Sassanian nobility, his early life was marked by a pious enthusiasm for paganism. 

CONVERSION TO CHRISTIANITY

Despite his social prominence and military prowess, Mar Qardagh's life took a dramatic turn when he encountered a vision of Christ. According to tradition, while on a military campaign, Qardagh experienced a heavenly revelation, in which he saw a cross of light and heard Christ calling him to renounce his idols and follow the one true faith. This experience led him to seek out Christian clergy in secret, and he was baptized into the Christian faith under the cover of darkness. His conversion was remarkable, given the fierce persecution of Christians under Shapur II, who was known for skinning Christians alive and torturing the faithful in ways so cruel, history found it unfitting to write the tortures down for posterity. 

For a short time, Mar Qardagh battled Rome and continued his illustrious career as the first general of Persia, wearing a relic of the True Cross, which the clergy had given him for protection. A long poem was written about his bravery, deeds of daring, love for the innocent, protection of women and children, and spiritual love, in this short time before his Christian Faith was discovered. 

Historical Depiction of King Shapur II

MARTYRDOM AND FAITHFUL WITNESS

Mar Qardagh’s decision to embrace Christianity put him in direct conflict with the Persian authorities. When they finally heard the news that Qardagh no longer sacrificed to the gods and had been baptized a Christian, he was immediately arrested by court officials. Refusing to renounce his newfound faith, Qardagh openly declared himself a Christian, forsaking his military honors and his former life of wealth and privilege. When news of his conversion was finally brought before King Shapur II, the monarch was enraged and summoned Qardagh to answer for his abandonment of the Zoroastrian gods. Despite the king’s threats and promises of wealth, Qardagh remained steadfast in his confession of Christ, resisting the powerful emperor with humility and childlike faith. 

Mar Qardagh was subjected to severe torture, but no amount of suffering could sway him from his commitment to Christ. Ultimately, Mar Qardagh was condemned to death and beheaded in Arbela. His courageous martyrdom quickly became a source of inspiration for Christians throughout the region, particularly among the Assyrian and Syriac communities. The poem describing his mighty deeds became a classic source of inspiration amongst Syriac Christians, and his fame spread far and wide, mixing with the stories of St. George and St. Mercurius.

A Contemporary Byzantine-Style Icon of Mar Qardagh

MIRACLES AND LEGACY

The death of Mar Qardagh was accompanied by numerous miracles. After his martyrdom, his relics became a source of healing and spiritual strength for the persecuted Christians in Persia. It is said that many who came to his tomb were cured of sickness and found peace in times of trial. Over the centuries, a rich tradition of pilgrimage developed around his shrine in Arbela, and his intercession continues to be sought by the faithful.

Mar Qardagh’s story has had a profound influence on both Eastern and Western Orthodox traditions. In the Assyrian and Syriac Churches, his martyrdom represents the enduring strength of Christian witness in the face of imperial persecution. His feast day is also commemorated in the Ancient Church of the West, where his life serves as a reminder of the unity between the early Church of the East and the early Orthodox traditions of the West.

COLLECT

O God, who didst call Thy servant Qardagh from the service of earthly kings to be a soldier of Christ’s heavenly kingdom: Grant that we, being inspired by his steadfastness in the face of persecution, may likewise follow Thee with boldness, and, through his intercession, be delivered from all the assaults of the enemy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.