January 29

Saint Aphraates

Roman Martyrology

Persian hermit who left his cell to steady Antioch's Christians under Valens

Aphraates was born in Persia in the fourth century to a well-off family. Most of what we know comes from Theodoret of Cyrrhus, who wrote about him some decades later. He became a Christian, moved west to Edessa and lived alone in a cell outside the city, praying and eating simply. He later settled near Antioch in Syria. He is sometimes confused with Aphrahat, the Persian Sage, a different man, a writer of the previous generation.

In the 370s Emperor Valens backed the Arians, who denied that Christ is fully God. He exiled Antioch's bishop, Meletius, and his followers had to meet outside the city. Aphraates left his solitude to encourage them. Theodoret says that when the emperor asked why a hermit was in the streets, he replied that when the house is on fire, even someone who stays indoors must come out to help.

The date of his death is not known. He is remembered as a man of prayer who stepped forward when his fellow Christians needed him.

Beloved, although I made every effort to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt it necessary to write and urge you to contend earnestly for the faith entrusted once for all to the saints.

Jude 1:3 · BSB

A prayer

God of faithfulness, you drew Aphraates into a life of prayer and gave him courage to stand by your people when their faith was under pressure. Teach us to love quiet time with you, and when others are struggling, give us the courage to step out, speak the truth gently and stay by their side. Amen.