Saint Isaac the Syrian, Bishop of Ninevah, lived in the sixth century and was known for his learning, virtue, and strict ascetic life. Together with his brother, he entered the monastery of Mar Matthew near Ninevah, where he received the monastic tonsure. Although the brethren wished him to become head of the monastery, Saint Isaac preferred silence and solitude and withdrew to the desert. Despite his reluctance, the fame of his holiness eventually led to his appointment as Bishop of Ninevah. Finding the people disobedient and crude in their ways, and longing for a life of contemplation, he soon realized that guiding them was beyond his strength.

A decisive moment came when two Christians asked him to judge a dispute over a debt. When the lender refused to show mercy, dismissing the Gospel’s command, Saint Isaac concluded that his presence as bishop served no purpose. After only five months, he resigned his office and returned to a life of solitude among the hermits, later settling at the monastery of Rabban Shabur, where he lived until his death in deep spiritual perfection. Though largely unknown in Europe for centuries, his life gradually came to light through an anonymous Arabic biography published in Rome in 1719 and later through eighth-century Syrian historical writings published in 1896 by the scholar Abbot Chabot.

Troparion — Tone 4

In truth you were revealed to your flock as a rule of faith, / an image of humility and a teacher of abstinence; / your humility exalted you; / your poverty enriched you. / Hierarch Father Isaac, / entreat Christ our God / that our souls may be saved.

Kontakion — Tone 2

(Podoben: “You sought the heights...”)O Hierarch Isaac, divine thunder, spiritual trumpet, / planter of faith and pruner of heresies, great favorite of the Trinity, / while standing with the Angels before God, / pray unceasingly for us all.