Ahudemmeh facts for kids

Ahudemmeh (Syriac: ܐܚܘܕܐܡܗ, Arabic: مار احودامه) was a very important leader in the Syriac Orthodox Church. He was known as the Grand Metropolitan of the East from 559 until 575. People called him the "Apostle of the Arabs" because he traveled and taught Christianity to many Arab tribes. The Syriac Orthodox Church remembers him as a saint.

Ahudemmeh's Life Story

His Early Years

Ahudemmeh was born in a place called Balad, which was part of the Sasanian Empire (modern-day Iraq). He grew up in a family with certain Christian beliefs. But when he became an adult, he chose to follow a different Christian path and became a monk.

Some people once thought he was a bishop named Ahudemmeh who attended a church meeting in 554. However, this idea has since been proven wrong.

At one point, Ahudemmeh and other church leaders had a big disagreement with another Christian leader named Joseph. The king of the Sasanian Empire, Khosrow I, decided to settle the argument. Ahudemmeh spoke for his group and convinced the king that his beliefs were right. Because of this, King Khosrow I allowed Ahudemmeh's group to worship freely and build churches.

Becoming a Grand Metropolitan

In 559, Ahudemmeh became the bishop of Beth Arbaye and the Grand Metropolitan of the East. This important role was given to him by Jacob Baradaeus, another key church leader.

This event was very important because it created a separate branch of the Christian church in the Sasanian Empire. This new group later became known as the Syriac Orthodox Church of the East.

Ahudemmeh then began traveling and teaching his Christian beliefs in the Beth Arbaye region. This area was home to many Arab tribes. He traveled among these tribes, and people believed he performed many miracles. These included healing the sick, driving out evil spirits, and helping people with leprosy.

He taught Christianity in Arab camps, baptized new followers, and helped set up churches. He even named some churches after clan leaders to encourage their involvement.

Ahudemmeh also built two monasteries. One was dedicated to Saint Sergius at a place called ‘Ain Qena. He put holy items there. This monastery was built to look like a famous church in Roman Syria. It aimed to attract Arab pilgrims and offer help to travelers and the poor. Another monastery was built near Tikrit.

His Later Years and Death

Ahudemmeh continued his missionary work, even teaching the Magi (a priestly class) in Tikrit. He even converted one of King Khosrow's sons, who was baptized and named George.

Because of this, King Khosrow ordered Ahudemmeh to be put in prison. On August 2, 575, Ahudemmeh was executed by beheading. His followers later moved his body to the monastery near Qronta. Some of his holy items were also taken to a church built in his honor in Tikrit. An unknown writer later wrote a book about his life.

Ahudemmeh's Writings

Ahudemmeh is thought to have written several important books about philosophy. These books discussed topics like logic, fate, the soul, and how humans are made of body and soul.

He is also credited with writing a book about Syriac grammar. This grammar book was based on Greek grammar rules. However, some scholars, like Sebastian Brock, believe that the person who wrote the philosophical works and the person who wrote the grammar book might have been two different people with the same name.

See Also

• List of Syriac Orthodox Maphrians of the East