St James of Nisbis

On 13 January we remember St James of Nisbis (or SyriacYacoub).

St James is very important in Syriac monasticism. St Jameswas born in Nisbis, which was a town near the modern day Syrian/Turkish border. He became a monk and lived in seclusion in the surrounding mountains. He lived a strict life of fasting and prayer, eating only fruits and greens and dressed in a sack. He was widely reputed for his strict and pious life and many miracles were attributed to him. He was later chosen as the second Bishop of Nisbis in 308AD.

 

St James of Nisibis valued learning and established a school and Basilica in Nisbis between 313 and 320. He opposed the Arian Heresy (the idea that the Son of God was a subordinate entity to God the Father).

 

A key characteristic of early monasticism was that older hermits would often train younger so that they would mirror the monastic way of life. St James of Nisbis was the teacher of St Ephrem. St Ephrem used hymns to teach and oppose heresy. St Ephrems hymns remain an integral part of Maronite liturgy and spirituality to this day. 

St Ephrem dedicated a hymn to his teacher

 

Jacob, By his simple words he gave milk to his infants.
 

The Nisibis Church was childlike with him.


As with a child, he loved her and threatened her.


The womb of him who gave birth to the flock bore her infancy.


The first priest gave milk to her infancy.


The wealthy father, laid up treasures for her childhood.

(Hymns on Nisibin 14.16-22)”

 

Like St James, let us all focus on learning our faith, so that we can understand the truth and defend it and help teach it to others around us.