St. Simeon Barsabae

St. Simeon Barsabae was a 4th-century bishop of Seleucia-Ctesiphon in Persia who was martyred for refusing to renounce Christianity and is honored as a steadfast defender of the faith.

St. Simeon Barsabae was the bishop of Seleucia-Ctesiphon, the capital of the Sassanid Empire (modern-day Iraq/Iran), during a time of intense persecution against Christians. He served the Church in Persia at a time when King Shapur II viewed Christianity with suspicion, associating it with the Roman Empire—Persia's long-time rival. Simeon was a courageous and learned leader who resisted imperial attempts to suppress the Christian faith in the region.

In 339 AD, when King Shapur II began enforcing harsh decrees against Christians, Bishop Simeon refused to comply with the state-imposed apostasy. He was ordered to worship the sun and renounce Christ, which he adamantly refused. His unwavering loyalty to the faith resulted in his arrest along with hundreds of clergy and faithful. Despite the threat of death, Simeon remained resolute in his confession of Christ.

On Good Friday, April 17, 341 AD, Simeon and a group of companions—including priests, deacons, and prominent Christian laymen—were executed by beheading after enduring severe torture. Among those martyred with him were Abdecalas and Ananias, two priests who had been his close co-workers in the Church.

Simeon Barsabae is revered not only for his martyrdom but for his pastoral leadership and unwavering commitment to Christ and His Church. His sacrifice marked the beginning of one of the most severe waves of Christian persecution in the Persian Empire, which lasted several decades. Despite the trials, the Church in Persia continued to grow, inspired by Simeon's witness and courage.

He is honored today by both Eastern and Western Christian traditions as a symbol of fidelity and endurance. His memory lives on particularly among the Assyrian, Chaldean, and Syriac Churches.

Feast Day

17-4-

Birth Date

--3rd century

Died Date

17-4-341

Canonised Date

--N/A

Persia

St. Simeon Barsabae, brave martyr and steadfast bishop, pray for us in our trials. Help us to endure with courage and love for Christ, just as you stood firm under persecution. Strengthen our hearts that we may remain faithful to God in all adversity. Amen.
ST. SIMEON BARSABAE

Video Not Found

ST. SIMEON BARSABAE

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!