Abd-al-Masih (martyr)


Abd-al-Masih was a Jewish Christian martyr of Late Antiquity.
Abd al-Masih, born Asher ben Levi of unknown date was a converted Jewish shepherd boy later canonised as a saint, who was killed by his father for his faith. The story is set in Singara and is a Syriac text with later versions in Arabic and Armenian. He lived near Sinjar in the Persian Empire. Having been converted to Christianity he pierced his ear to wear earring. He died in 390 AD. There is disagreement about the location of his martyrdom. Some sources say Singar, and others say Taglibis in Arabia. He is regarded as the patron saint of sterile women in Syria, and has his feast day observed on July 13, and July 22 or October 3.