E02530: The Homily (memrā) on *Habbib (martyr of Edessa, S00090) is written in Syriac during the late 5th/early 6th c. by Jacob of Serugh (c. 451-521). It retells the story of the conversion and martyrdom of Habbib, while celebrating the martyr's steadfastness.

Jacob of Serugh, Homily on Habbib

The Homily opens with an introduction in which Habbib is likened to the Three Hebrew Youths from the book of Daniel (pp. 86-87 of Cureton's translation). In the subsequent exposition of the martyr's life and death, the author refers to the main narrative elements of his life as found in the Martyrdom of Habbib ($E00168). The martyr is presented as a champion against the error of paganism (pp. 87-88). 'A good shepherd', Habbib is said to provide spiritual guidance to the Christian community of Edessa, as he 'taught, admonished, and confirmed in faith the Christians who by persecutors were oppressed' (p. 88). The poet puts a particular emphasis on the martyr as one of the key figures in the conversion of Edessa to Christianity, alongside king Abgar and the martyrs Shmona and Gurya: 'From confessors, lacerated, burnt, uplifted, slain, and from a righteous king, Edessa learned the faith, and knows our Lord, that He is even God, the Son of God: she also learned and believed that He took flesh and became man' (pp. 92-93). It is also related that Habbib was the last Christian to suffer martyrdom in Edessa – 'With Sharbil it (i.e. persecution) began, with Habib ended in our land. From that time, and until now, not one has it slain: since he was burned, Constantine, the chief of victors, reigns; and now the Cross the emperor's diadem surmounts, and is set upon his head' (pp. 95-96).