Dayro d'Nardos

Dayro d'Nardos

The Monastery of Nardos (or Nardes): Was situated in the region of Nohadra near the village of Beth Maloudh, known today as Faida near Duhok, Iraq. The monastery was located in a strategically spiritual landscape, approximately seven kilometers from the Monastery of Mor Mikhail and in close proximity to the Monastery of the Soldier and the Monastery of Samuel the Mountain. Throughout its history, it served not only as a sanctuary for ascetics but also as a renowned school that reached the height of its fame in the sixth century, surpassing many other Eastern monastic institutions in intellectual and spiritual influence. The monastery’s legacy is defined by both its scholarly output and its steadfast commitment to Orthodox theology. During the late fifth century, the community faced severe persecution from Barsoum of Nisibis for rejecting Nestorianism. This period of conflict claimed the lives of many, including the abbot Lazarus (Mor Li’azar) around 484–485. Despite these trials, the monastery remained a center for the Syriac Orthodox faith, housing seventy monks at its peak and serving as the residence for the Metropolitans of Nohadra, such as Bishop Zaka in the seventh century. Perhaps its most distinguished association is with Mor Marutha of Takrit, the Maphrian, who began his monastic life and education within its walls. The monastery’s reputation for excellence was further bolstered by famous abbots like Mor Jusi and Maskina. Other notable figures include Mor Samuel of Surziq, who lived as a monk at Nardos before eventually moving to the Monastery of Zaka. Although the monastery was a cornerstone of the Syriac Orthodox Bishopric of Beth Nohadra for centuries, physical traces of the site began to vanish toward the end of the 13th century, marking the conclusion of its long-standing influence in the region.