← Explore all saints

Biography

Barsimaeus

Portrait of Barsimaeus

About Barsimaeus

In the Syriac Martyrdom of Barsamya, he guides Edessa’s church and instructs Sharbil, a former pagan priest; the narrative then has him arrested, tortured, and released after an imperial order. J. B. Segal judges this account historically invalid and says Barsamya is not securely established as bishop of Edessa.

Wondering how to weigh the stories and sources? Learn how to read a saint biography.