Bücher der Reihe Persian Martyr Acts in Syriac: Text and Translation

The History of Holy Mar Ma'in of Sinjar tells the story of a Sasanian general during the time of Shapur II (309-79) who suffered persecution after his conversion to Christianity. Brock provides the first edition ever of the Syriac text of the History of Ma'in as well as the first full translation of it.

The Martyrs of Mount Ber'ain is the poignant tale of three noble Iranian siblings who are martyred under Shapur II. Composed in the seventh century, it demonstrates enduring concerns of Christian self-definition in Iran, especially with respect to the Zoroastrian priesthood.

The Martyrdom, and the later History, of Simeon bar Sabba'e narrate the death of the bishop of Seleucia-Ctesiphon who was killed around the year 340 C.E. at the beginning of King Shapur II's "Great Persecution" of Christians in Sasanian Persia.

This volume contains the Syriac Life of Mar Pinhas, a purported martyr under the Sasanian Empire. This edition contains the Syriac text (first published in 1894 by Paul Bedjan), an English translation, explanatory annotations, and Addai Scher's Arabic version of the story.

The first critical editions and English translations of the two Syriac recensions of a fascinating text which narrates the story of a young Jewish child, Asher.

The History of Mar Behnam and Sarah tells the story of two siblings who convert to Christianity under the tutelage of Mar Mattai, a monastic leader and wonderworker from the Roman Empire.

This volume brings together the texts and translations for three Syriac martyr acts, set in Sasanian Persia during the reign of Shapur II (309-379 CE). Miles, bishop of Susa, was a fiery church leader and wandering holy man prior to his arrest and martyrdom in the company of the priest Abursam and deacon Sinai. The story of Zebina and his companions includes the extended interrogation and torture of two monks, Yawnan and Brikishö, who had set out to serve the others in prison. The Forty Martyrs recounts the tragically protracted story of two bishops, nine priests, sixteen deacons, six Sons of the Covenant, and seven Daughters of the Covenant, all of whom suffered unjustly at the hands of corrupt officials. These texts offer compelling witness to the challenges of a community's need to honor memory and experience. They provide evidence towards the formation and sustenance of Christian identity in the midst of Persian society and culture. Above all, each draws upon scriptural and monastic traditions to weave distinctive portraits of notable literary quality.