St. Aphrahat, the Ascetic

St. Aphrahat, the Ascetic

April 7th is the commemoration of the dukhrono of St. Aphrahat the Ascetic +346 according to the liturgical calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church. Mor Aphrahat, was born into a pagan family but he accepted Christianity & later became a monk. Mor Aphrahat who was otherwise known as ‘the Sage of Persia’ later shifted to Edessa, famous for its strong Christian heritage. He spoke publicly against the heresies of Arius. He replied in similes to those who engaged him in arguments. All historians comment on the twenty three Expositions (Demonstrations) and speeches of Aphrahat. They deal with faith, prayers of repentance, fasting, the divinity of Christ & the resurrection. He gives a lot of importance to monastic life & celibacy. The above mentioned homilies refer to all the sacraments. In all his teachings he stressed the fact that Jesus was the son of God and Peter was the chief priest designated to lead the sheep of the Church established by Jesus. Biography courtesy of 'Martyrs, Saints and Prelates of the Syriac Orthodox Church' Oh Mor Aphrahat, pray for us all especially persecuted Christians in Mesopotamia amen.