Jacob of Surug

(c. 451–521)

   Bishop, Theologian and Poet.

   Jacob was a native of Kurtnam on the River Euphrates and he was educated in Edessa. After his ordination, he did much to help his people during the Persian occupation of his country. In 519 he was consecrated Bishop of Batnae, the chief town of Surug. He is remembered for his series of homilies on biblical themes and for several hymns. He was nicknamed the ‘flute of the Holy Ghost’. His theological opinions remain a matter for debate; some scholars believe him to have been orthodox while others insist that he was a Monophysite.

   J.M. Hussey, The Orthodox Church in the Byzantine Empire (1986).