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c. 251 – 700 AD
Isaac of Nineveh
c. 613 – 700 AD
Nineveh, Iraq
Overview
A hermit and bishop known for his psychological depth and writings on God's limitless mercy.
Did You Know?
Resigned as Bishop of Nineveh after only 5 months because he couldn't stand administrative arguments; returned to the desert.
Contextual Information
Saint*He was a bishop in the Church of the East (often called 'Nestorian'), which had split from the Roman/Byzantine church.
Status: Saint (venerated by all). Despite being in a church that was technically in schism/heresy at the time, his writings on the spiritual life were so penetrating that he is venerated as a Saint by all traditions (Catholic, Orthodox, and Assyrian).
Major Writings
Read Isaac of Nineveh’s Commentary
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The Syriac & Desert Fathers
The ascetics and poets of the desert.
4 Church Fathers in this era
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Part of The Syriac & Desert Fathers