St. Habib the Martyr

St. Habib the Martyr

"in the city of Edessa, Habīb, (by) the martyrdom of fire."Mor Habib of Urhoy served as deacon in the village of Telzeha, Phoenicia. Under the persecution of Emperor Licinius, Deacon Habib went secretly into the churches of Telzeha, where he ministered, read the Scriptures, encouraged & strengthened many by his faith, admonishing the faithful to stand fast in the truth of their faith, not fearing their persecutors. As a result, Habib had to face brutal torture & persecution. But he was relentless in his faith. Finally, the soldiers tied him to a stake & burnt him alive. Thus Mor Habib attained the crown of martyrdom. His mother & other relatives took down his body but were astonished that it was unharmed.Mor Jacob of Sarug has described the burning of Habib in his homily. “Habib the martyr adorned by flames called me from his pyre. I do not know if I can number him with Hanania. Who is more glorious Assariya or Habib? Habib fought against the sword & fire. His love was warmer than that of fire. Hence, he was not scared. Habib taught us to embrace death not fearing fire or sword"Life of St. Habib of Urhoy: https://bit.ly/VitaHabibEdessaHomily on Habib the Martyr, Composed by Mar Jacob: https://bit.ly/HomilyHabibJacobBL12150