Paul of Edessa facts for kids
Paul of Edessa (also known as Pawla of Edessa) was an important church leader, a bishop in the ancient city of Edessa. He served as bishop from 510 AD until he passed away on October 30, 526 AD. During his time as bishop, he faced challenges and was sent away from Edessa twice, once in 519 and again from 522 to 526.
Becoming a Bishop
Paul became the bishop of Edessa in 510, taking over from a previous bishop named Peter. Early in his time as bishop, Paul worked with another bishop, Gamalinus, to address some groups who had different beliefs about church practices.
Standing Up for His Beliefs
Later, a powerful leader named Emperor Justin I wanted everyone to follow the rules set by a big church meeting called the Council of Chalcedon. He sent a special official, Patricius, to make sure people followed these rules. In November 519, Patricius arrived in Edessa and told Paul he had to agree with the Council's rules or leave his position.
Paul bravely refused to agree. He even sought safety in his church's baptistery, a special room for baptisms. However, Patricius had him removed and ordered him to be sent away to a place called Seleucia. Emperor Justin I hoped Paul would change his mind, so he let Paul return after 44 days. But Paul still wouldn't agree. Because of this, he was officially removed from his role and sent far away to Euchaita in a region called Pontus in July 522. Another bishop, Asclepius of Edessa, then took his place in Edessa.
While Paul was away, he received a comforting letter from a famous writer named Jacob of Sarug.
Returning Home
When Asclepius passed away in June 525, Paul decided to agree with the church's rules. He reached out to Justinian I, who was helping Emperor Justin at the time. Paul asked to be allowed to return to his role as bishop. With support from Justinian, Paul was allowed to come back to Edessa as bishop in March 526.
Sadly, Paul served as bishop for less than eight months after his third return. He died on October 30, 526, less than a year before Emperor Justin I also passed away.
Sources
This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: "Paulus Edessenus". Dictionary of Christian Biography and Literature to the End of the Sixth Century (3rd). (1911). London: John Murray.
