St. Abraham Kidunaia

St. Abraham Kidunaia, known as St. Abraham the Great, was a 4th-century hermit and priest. Born into a wealthy family near Edessa in 267 AD, he chose to dedicate his life to God rather than marry. Abraham’s commitment to a life of prayer and service led him to work in Beth-Kidunaa, where he faced significant opposition but persevered in spreading Christianity. After returning to his hermitage near Edessa, he spent the rest of his life in prayer and penance. St. Abraham’s feast day is celebrated on October 29 in the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches.

St. Abraham Kidunaia, also known as St. Abraham the Great, lived a remarkable life of devotion, asceticism, and service to God. Born in 267 AD to a wealthy family near Edessa, Abraham’s early life was set on a path of privilege and opportunity. He received an excellent education, which was typical for children from noble families during that time. Like many in his position, Abraham was expected to marry, continuing the traditions of his family. However, just before his wedding, he experienced a profound spiritual calling and chose to devote his life entirely to God, forsaking the worldly comforts and responsibilities that would have come with marriage.

Abraham’s decision to live a life of solitude and devotion led him to retire to a small cell near Edessa. He walled up the entrance, leaving only a small window through which food could be delivered. This extreme form of asceticism was characteristic of the early Christian hermits who sought to live lives of complete separation from the world in order to deepen their relationship with God. Abraham’s hermitage was not simply a retreat from the world; it was a place where he could engage in prayer, contemplation, and penance, focusing entirely on his spiritual life.

Despite the hardships of his solitary existence, Abraham’s reputation as a holy man spread throughout the region. Ten years after he withdrew from the world, he inherited a large fortune when his parents passed away. Rather than keeping the wealth for himself, Abraham chose to distribute it among the poor, embodying the Christian virtues of charity and humility. This act of generosity further solidified his reputation as a man of deep faith and compassion.

Abraham’s renown eventually reached the Bishop of Edessa, who, recognizing his piety, appointed him as a priest and sent him to work in Beth-Kidunaa, a region known for its pagan inhabitants. Abraham faced significant opposition from the locals who resented his Christian beliefs and the destruction of their idols and sacred sites. Despite being driven out multiple times, Abraham persisted in his mission to spread Christianity, urging the people of Beth-Kidunaa to abandon their old beliefs in favor of the one true God. His unwavering commitment eventually led to a significant number of converts, though the struggle was long and difficult.

After his time in Beth-Kidunaa, Abraham returned to his hermitage near Edessa, where he spent the remaining years of his life in prayer and penance. He was known for his gentle and compassionate spirit, never condemning others harshly, but always speaking with kindness and encouragement. His life was marked by a deep love for God and a commitment to living in accordance with the Christian faith.

A well-known legend about St. Abraham involves his niece, Mary, who was entrusted to his care as a child. Abraham raised her in the ways of devotion and learning, hoping she would follow a virtuous path. However, when she turned twenty, she was seduced by a false priest and ran away to Troad, where she became a prostitute. Abraham did not know her fate for many years and lamented her disappearance. When he finally discovered where she was, he journeyed to Troad to bring her back. His act of compassion and his determination to help her is a testament to his deep love for others and his commitment to healing the brokenness of the world.

St. Abraham Kidunaia died in 366 AD at the age of approximately seventy. His death marked the end of a life devoted to prayer, asceticism, and the service of God. His influence on the Christian communities around Edessa and Beth-Kidunaa was profound, and his example of selflessness, charity, and dedication continues to inspire Christians to this day. His feast day is celebrated on October 29 in the Eastern Orthodox Church and Roman Catholic Church, while other Christian traditions observe his feast on different days, including December 14 in the Syriac Catholic Church and July 29 in the Coptic Church.

St. Abraham’s legacy endures as a model of Christian asceticism, charity, and perseverance. His life serves as a reminder of the power of faith, humility, and the willingness to dedicate oneself to God’s service, even in the face of hardship and opposition.

Feast Day

29-10-

Birth Date

--267 AD

Died Date

--366 AD

Canonised Date

--

Behram, Turkey

"Saint Abraham Kidunaia, faithful servant of God, You who lived in the desert, devoted to prayer and holiness, Intercede for us, that we may live with the same steadfast faith and purity. Guide us to follow the path of righteousness, And help us to grow in love and devotion to God. Through your prayers, may we find peace, strength, and grace. Amen."
ST. ABRAHAM KIDUNAIA

Video Not Found

No images uploaded for this saint yet.

The information you see here may be either accurate or might contain some discrepancies, as it is gathered from various sources. If you believe that any part of the details about this saint is incorrect or incomplete, we kindly invite you to share your suggestions or corrections with us. Your insights are invaluable in helping us ensure that we provide the most accurate and reliable information.

We encourage you to use the form on the left to submit any corrections or additional information you may have. Whether it's a small detail or a larger correction, we will carefully review your submission and update the information accordingly. Your contributions will not only help us maintain the integrity of the content but also benefit others who seek to learn more about this saint. We greatly appreciate your assistance in making our information more accurate and complete.

Please rest assured that your personal details will remain confidential, and your suggestions will be handled with the utmost care. Together, we can ensure that the information about this saint is as accurate and informative as possible. Thank you for your time and contribution!