St Hurmizd
St Hurmizd was born in the mid-17th century in the city of Shiraz, now known as Ahwaz in Iran. His father’s name was Joseph, and his mother’s name was Thecla. He grew up in a household deeply rooted in Christian faith, with parents devoted to fasting, prayer, and helping those in need.
At the age of 12, he entered school, where he began reading sacred books, gaining spiritual education, and developing a strong inclination toward religious life, setting aside secular pursuits. He would often tell his parents, “I must become a monk and work according to God’s will.” One night, as the righteous one lay in deep sleep, he had a remarkable dream.
In his vision, the Lord Jesus Christ sat upon a glorious throne, surrounded by heavenly forces glorifying His divinity. One of the angels approached Rabban Hurmizd and, with his right hand, placed a beautiful golden crown upon his head. Upon awakening, this divine revelation strengthened his resolve to become a monk.
At the age of 20, Rabban Hurmizd bid farewell to his parents and set out on his journey. Through the power of the Almighty and his unwavering faith in the words of our Lord Jesus Christ—“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to the close of the age” (Matthew 28:19)—he began performing miracles.
St Hurmizd dedicated his life to prayer and fasting, performing miraculous works such as cleansing lepers, walking on water, healing the sick, and even raising the dead. He passed away on the Monday following the third Sunday of the Resurrection, having lived for 86 years. A great saint and hero of the Assyrian Church of the East, St Hurmizd remains a guiding light for all believers.
