Mor Jacob Baradaeus

The central theological issue that shaped Jacob's life was the controversy surrounding the Council of Chalcedon in 451. This council defined Christ as having two natures, fully divine and fully human. This doctrine was rejected by many Christians in Egypt, Syria, and other parts of the East, who adhered to a Miaphysite understanding of Christ, believing in one nature of Christ, which is both divine and human. This group, which included the Syriac Orthodox Church, came to be known as non-Chalcedonians.

In the 6th century, the churches  that didn't accept the results of the faced severe persecution from the Byzantine Empire, which sought to enforce Chalcedonian orthodoxy. The situation was dire, with many bishops exiled or killed. It was in this context that Jacob Baradaeus emerged as a leader. Around 543/544, he was consecrated Bishop of Edessa by the deposed Patriarch Theodosius I of Alexandria in Constantinople at the request of the Empress Theodora. Jacob's consecration marked a turning point. He embarked on a remarkable, decades-long mission, travel, ingincognito, extensively throughout Mesopotamia, Anatolia, Syria, Palestine, and Egypt. He worked tirelessly to reorganize the Syriac Orthodox Church, ordaining priests and bishops, strengthening the faith of the faithful, and countering the influence of the the followers of the Council of Chalcedon. His efforts were crucial in preserving the Syriac Orthodox  tradition. He continued this work for thirty-five years, indefatigably fighting the good fight for the Church of God, which he supported in the time of adversity until he died at the Monastery of Romanus or the Monastery of Cassian on July 30, 578 and was commemorated by the church. 

The Byzantine authorities actively sought to capture and imprison Jacob. To evade them, he often traveled in disguise, wearing tattered clothing. This earned him the nickname "Baradaeus," derived from the Syriac word "burde'ana," meaning "man in ragged clothes" or "saddle cloth." This name, though initially a description of his disguise, became his enduring epithet. Jacob Baradaeus's contributions to the Syriac Orthodox Church are immense. 

He is credited with preserving the non-Chalcedonian tradition and his tireless efforts ensured the survival of the Syriac Orthodox Church during a period of intense persecution. He reorganizing the church hierarchy and ordained numerous bishops and priests, providing the church with the leadership it needed to endure. All his work helped strengthening the faith of believers where He traveled extensively, preaching, and encouraging non-Chalcedonian Christians throughout the East.

The Syriac Orthodox Church is sometimes referred to as the "Jacobite" Church, a testament to the lasting impact of Jacob Baradaeus's work. He is remembered as a courageous defender of the faith, a dedicated missionary, and a pivotal figure in the history of Christianity. His legacy continues to inspire the Syriac Orthodox Church and other Oriental Orthodox Churches to this day. Jacob drew up a liturgy in fifteen pages beginning with "O Lord, the most holy Father of peace," and several letters, four of which were published in the Syriac Documents, three addressed to John of Ephesus and others, and a general letter to the bishops and priests which is mentioned in his lengthy biography.