Saint Aithalas of Arbela

Biography

Saint Aithalas of Arbela, also known as Aithelas, was a prominent figure in the early Christian Church. He was born in Arbela, Persia, in the fourth century and initially served as a pagan priest. However, his life took a transformative turn when he fell seriously ill with a debilitating disease. During his illness, Aithalas encountered a group of Christians who fervently prayed for his healing. Their prayers were miraculously answered, and Aithalas experienced a complete recovery. This profound experience deeply impacted him and led him to question his previous religious beliefs and embrace Christianity. Motivated by his newfound faith, Aithalas became an enthusiastic convert to Christianity and dedicated himself to studying the teachings of Jesus Christ. His conversion drew the attention of both the Christian community and the ruling authorities. Sadly, Aithalas lived during a time of intense persecution of Christians under the rule of Shapur II, the king of the Sassanian Empire. Despite the risks involved, Aithalas fearlessly professed his newfound faith and openly practiced Christianity, which quickly made him a target of the authorities. It is believed that Aithalas was captured, tortured, and eventually martyred for his unwavering commitment to his faith. The exact details of his martyrdom are not known, but it is said to have taken place in Arbela, Persia, circa 354 AD. Throughout his life, Aithalas exemplified the virtues of unwavering faith and courage, standing as a testament to the power of conversion and the strength of Christian conviction. Although he never received formal canonization by the Catholic Church, his heroic witness to the faith has been venerated since ancient times. Today, Saint Aithalas of Arbela is remembered and honored on December 11th, the day of his feast, as a shining example of Christian faith and martyrdom. While he may not have a specific patronage associated with him, his story serves as an inspiration for all believers who strive to remain steadfast in their faith, even in the face of persecution and adversity.