Abraham (3)
Abraham ST., a title applied to three men.
1. Abrames, of the diocese of Cyrus in Euphratesis, who, after leading a solitary life for some years went to preach the Gospel in the regions east of Mount Libanus. Returning to his solitude, he was, contrary to his own will, elevated to the see of Charrae, in Osrhoene, or Lower Mesopotamia. Here he practiced great mortification and self-denial until his fame reached the ears of Theodosius the Younger, who called him to his court, receiving him with great honor. He died at Constantinople in 348, and his remains were carried back to Charrae. No mention is made of him in the Latin martyrologies, but the Greek commemorate him on Feb. 14.
2. This saint was born about the end of the 4th century in Upper Syria. While still young, he went to visit the anchorites of Egypt, but was captured by the Saracens and cruelly maltreated. Eventually he escaped from them, and towards the close of the reign of Valentinian III came to Gaul, and, settling at Auvergne, built a monastery, there. He died in 472, and was buried in the Church of St. Cirgues (Cyriacus); now a parish in the city of Clermont. His festival is marked in Roman martyrology June 15. See Gregory of Tours, 2, 21; Baillet, Vies des Saints, June 15; vol. 2.
⇒Bible concordance for ABRAHAM.
3. This person was a hermit and priest, and was born in the 4th century at Chidna, Syria (or Mesopotamia). He permitted the celebration of his marriage to the person to whom his parents had early engaged him, but on the same day retired to a cell, and, stopping up the entrance, gave himself up to devotion and prayer. The report of his sanctity getting abroad, the bishop forcibly ordained him priest, and sent him to preach the Gospel to the infidel inhabitants of a neighboring town. After suffering much at their hands, his patience and resolution were rewarded by their conversion. His festival is celebrated with that of St. Mary. his niece, by the Greek Church, Oct. 29, and by the Roman on March 16. See Bailliet, March 16, vol. 1; Butler, March 15.
