Mor Jacob of Edessa

Title: Mor Jacob of Edessa
Description: Mor Jacob of Edessa (c. 684–9, 708) was one of the greatest Syriac Orthodox scholars, bishops, and biblical commentators. Born in ʿEn Deba, Antioch, he studied at the Monastery of Qenneshre and in Alexandria, mastering Greek and Syriac. Appointed Bishop of Edessa around 684, he resigned after a few years due to disagreements over canon law, famously burning a copy of the canons in protest.

He later taught at the Monastery of Eusebona but left due to opposition to Greek influence. Settling at the Monastery of Tell ʿAda, he worked on revising the Old Testament. Reappointed as Bishop of Edessa in 708, he died four months later on June 5 at Tell ʿAda. A polymath, Jacob’s works significantly influenced the Syriac Orthodox Church, and miracles were reported at his tomb.