Isaac of Nineveh
Also: Isaac the Syrian, Isaac Syrus, Isaac of Qatar
Born perhaps between 600 and 640, perhaps in Beth Qatraye (now Qatar and the nearby Gulf coast). Died perhaps between 690 and 710, probably in Monastery of Rabban Shabur, Beth Huzaye (now site not known; near Shushtar, Khuzestan, Iran).
A monk of the Church of the East who was bishop of Nineveh for five months and then went back to the hermit life. His homilies on prayer and mercy are read in all the Eastern churches.
Wrote in Syriac. A major author.
Places lived
- 676 to 680Nineveh (now Mosul, Iraq)bishopyears not sureHe was bishop for five months only. The Catholicos George (661 to 680) ordained him, most likely about 676.
- 680 to 700Monastery of Rabban Shabur, Beth Huzaye (now site not known; near Shushtar, Khuzestan, Iran)hermit and monkyears not sure, place probableHe first lived as a hermit on Mount Matut near by.
Works
1 work, in the order they were written. 1 work can be read here.
- Ascetical HomiliesTalks on the life of stillness and the mercy of God.170,955 words
How we know the dates and places
- Born not sure
- No ancient source. See S. P. Brock, 'Isaac of Nineveh', Gorgias Encyclopedic Dictionary of the Syriac Heritage (2011).
- Place of birth not sure
- Isho'dnah of Basra, Book of Chastity 124
The source names the region only. - Died not sure
- No ancient source. Scholars say about 700. See Brock, 'Isaac of Nineveh' (2011).
- Place of death probable
- Isho'dnah of Basra, Book of Chastity 124 (buried at the monastery)
- Nineveh, years not sure
- Isho'dnah of Basra, Book of Chastity 124
- Nineveh, place sure
- Isho'dnah of Basra, Book of Chastity 124
- Monastery of Rabban Shabur, Beth Huzaye, years not sure
- Isho'dnah of Basra, Book of Chastity 124
- Monastery of Rabban Shabur, Beth Huzaye, place probable
- Isho'dnah of Basra, Book of Chastity 124