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 with Sharbel, urging him to forsake the worship of idols and turn to the one true God, the Creator of all. Moved by their words and by the grace of God, Sharbel began to question the legitimacy of the gods he had served his entire life. He found himself increasingly drawn to the message of the Gospel, which spoke of love, truth, and the sacrifice of Christ for all mankind.

Later that evening, Sharbel and his sister Babaita came secretly to Bishop Barsamya, seeking baptism. They confessed their faith in the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and were clothed in the humble white garments of Christian believers. Their conversion had an immediate impact on the city, and many followed their example, embracing the Christian faith.

When news of Sharbel’s conversion reached Lysanias, the chief justice of Edesa, he was furious. Summoning Sharbel to appear before him, Lysanias demanded that Sharbel renounce Christ and return to the worship of the pagan gods. Sharbel, however, stood firm in his faith, declaring, “I have come to know the one true God, who created heaven and earth. The works of men’s hands are but empty images; they cannot save or give life.”

Enraged by this defiance, Lysanias ordered Sharbel to be tortured. He was stripped of his garments and beaten, enduring great suffering at the hands of his persecutors. Though subjected to terrible pain, Sharbel did not waver in his faith. He remained steadfast, understanding his suffering as a participation in the sufferings of Christ, his Savior.

Finally, unable to break his spirit, Lysanias sentenced Sharbel to death. Before his execution, Sharbel was granted a moment to pray. With his eyes lifted to the heavens, he turned to the east and said, “Lord Jesus, forgive me for the sins I have committed against You. Have mercy on me, and receive my soul into Your kingdom.” After this prayer, Sharbel was martyred for his faith, sealing his witness to Christ with his own blood.

The witness of St. Mar Sharbel spread throughout the city of Edessa and beyond. His martyrdom became a powerful testimony to the transformative power of God’s grace and the strength of faith. Many who had once worshipped idols, including prominent citizens, came to embrace Christianity, inspired by Sharbel’s courage and steadfastness. His sister, Babai, would also later give her life for Christ, joining her brother in martyrdom.

To this day, St. Mar Sharbel of Edessa is honored as a faithful witness of Christ, whose example continues to inspire Christians to stand firm in their faith, even in the face of persecution.

COLLECT 

O Almighty and everlasting God, who didst kindle the flame of faith in the heart of Thy servant, Sharbel, and by his holy witness didst turn many souls from the darkness of idolatry to the light of Christ: Grant us, we beseech Thee, so to follow in his steps that we, like him, may endure with courage the trials of this life and ever confess Thy Holy Name before the world; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.