Shemon Bar Sabbae was a 4th-century bishop of Seleucia-Ctesiphon and the leader of the Church of the East within the Sasanian Empire. Born to a fuller, he served as a coadjutor bishop starting in 316 before becoming the primary head of his church. During the reign of Shapur II, he faced intense persecution for his faith. He was eventually executed for refusing to renounce Christianity in favor of Zoroastrianism, a decision that led to the deaths of many of his followers.
Life and death
As the bishop of Seleucia-Ctesiphon, Shemon was accused of maintaining secret ties to the Roman emperor. He was also believed to have converted the mother of Shapur II to the Christian faith. These allegations contributed to a period of widespread persecution. Shemon was beheaded alongside numerous clergy and faithful followers who refused to abandon their religious convictions during this era of conflict.
Veneration
He is recognized as a saint across several Christian traditions, including the Assyrian, Catholic, and Orthodox churches. His feast day is observed on April 17 in the Roman and Eastern Catholic traditions, while the Syriac Orthodox Church commemorates him on the Friday following Easter. The Assyrian Church of the East honors him during the sixth Friday of summer.