Around 363, a multi-day trial of prisoners of war was completed in the Persian city of Beth Zabda. Bishop Disan, Priest Mariav, Deacon Avdiyes and 267 others were killed. The reason was a massive refusal to honor local cults.
The ruler of Sapor II personally initiated a campaign of intimidation. The geopolitical situation has worsened: Persia fought a long war with Byzantium. In these circumstances, the loyalty of the Syrian Christian communities has been called into question. The arrested were given a simple choice — to worship the symbols of Zoroastrianism or climb the scaffold. The prisoners chose the second.
In the list of victims is a woman named Iya. Church tradition distinguishes her memory with a separate date — September 11. The rest of the defendants are remembered on the day of the common feat. It is known that servants and laity brought in bonds were tortured, seeking formal betrayal, but no one agreed to the deal.
The tragedy was a direct consequence of the change in the political vector. Earlier, in 325, the emperor Constantine interceded for the co-religionists before Sapor. After the departure of the patron, the Persian authorities unleashed repression, seeking to deprive the community of leadership. The Beth Zabd massacre is considered one of the most mass executions of that period.
Memorial Days
22 April
The Holy Land Charitable Foundation
Lives of Saints
