John of Dailam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Saint John of Dailam |
|
|---|---|
| Born | 660 Hdatta, Iraq |
| Died | 26 January 738 |
| Venerated in | Syriac Christianity |
| Major shrine | Monastery of Saint John of Dailam, Bakhdida, Iraq |
| Feast |
|
Saint John of Dailam (Syriac: ܝܘܚܢܢ ܕܝܠܡܝܐ Yoḥannan Daylamáyá) was an important Christian monk. He lived in the 600s and 700s. He was part of the East Syriac Church. John is known for building many monasteries. These were in areas like Mesopotamia (which is now mostly Iraq) and Persia (which is now Iran).
Contents
Early Life and Adventures
John was born in the year 660. His hometown was Hdatta, a place in modern-day Iraq. It was located where the Upper Zab river meets the Tigris river. When he was young, John joined a monastery called Bēṯ ʿĀbē.
Captured by Dailamites
Later, John was captured by a group called the Dailamites. They were fighting against the Arabs who were taking over Persia. The Dailamites took John far away. He was brought to the Daylam region. This area is near the southern shores of the Caspian Sea.
Spreading Christianity
John managed to escape from his captors. After gaining his freedom, he started preaching. He traveled around the Daylam region. He shared Christian teachings with the people living there. He helped spread Christianity in that area.
Miracles and New Monasteries
Stories about John of Dailam say he performed miracles. One story tells how he saved the daughter of the Umayyad Caliph. The Caliph was a powerful ruler. As a reward, John asked for something special. He wanted land in Fars, a region in southwestern Persia. This land would be free from Kharaj (a type of tax). He wanted to build a monastery there.
Founding Monasteries in Persia
On his journey to Fars, John helped another important person. He miraculously healed al-Hajjaj, who was the Arab governor of Iraq. When John reached a place called Arrajan, he met many Zoroastrians. Zoroastrianism was a different religion. John converted some of them to Christianity. He then built a monastery in Arrajan.
He also started another monastery near Kashkar. This monastery was for Syriac-speaking monks. It helped solve a disagreement. There had been a conflict between monks who spoke Syriac and those who spoke Persian.
Visit to Bakhdida
The stories also mention John visiting Bakhdida. He helped convert the people there to Christianity. He also founded a monastery in Bakhdida. This monastery still has his name today.
John's Final Days
Saint John of Dailam died on January 26, 738. He passed away at the monastery he founded near Kashkar.
