The aftermath of the Najran massacre reveals a multifaceted picture of faith, survival, and reconciliation. While the hagiographies of St. Arethas and the martyrs depict unwavering commitment to Christ under the brutal persecution of King Dhu Nuwas, historical records offer a more nuanced and realistic view, acknowledging the complex human responses to such torment. Some Christians, overwhelmed by fear and the instinct to protect their families, succumbed to apostasy. This later created tension between those who remained steadfast and those who faltered, presenting a critical challenge for the early Church.
In post-massacre Najran, survivors grappled with the spiritual and communal implications of apostasy. King Caleb of Axum, who led efforts to rebuild the city, recognized the need to address how the Church should deal with those who had denied Christ but now sought forgiveness. Disdain for apostates, captured in the words of a Christian from Najran—“He who does not go out today to Christ does not belong to Him”—reflected the prevailing sentiment of the time. Many viewed those who had renounced their faith as beyond redemption.
To address this, King Caleb turned to Bishop Euprepios of Abyssinia (Axum), who offered a path of compassion and theological grounding for reconciliation. The bishop’s response, deeply rooted in Christian theology, emphasized God’s desire for repentance and mercy. Citing passages from Psalms, Ezekiel, and the Gospels, Euprepios reminded the faithful that God delights not in the death of sinners but in their repentance and return to the fold. He invoked the example of Peter, who, after denying Christ, repented and was restored, underscoring that no sin is too great for God’s forgiveness when approached with genuine contrition.
Following this pastoral guidance, the Church organized a service for the repentant apostates, offering them absolution and reintegration into the Christian community. This act of pastoral care reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to mercy and reconciliation, stressing that even in moments of weakness, redemption is possible through repentance.
In addition to the story of those who sought forgiveness, the narrative of the Najran massacre includes accounts of those who survived and continued to bear witness to their faith. Baysar, a three-year-old boy at the time of the massacre, provides a striking example. His story, as recorded by the historian Bishop John of Ephesus, reflects not only survival but also the transformative grace that followed his ordeal.
After the Axumite victory, Baysar was taken in by a Christian king in Yemen, who honored him for his devotion and survival, elevating him to a position of prominence. Baysar’s journey eventually led him to Constantinople, where he was further honored by the Byzantine Emperor Justin I. Despite his status, Baysar lived a life of deep humility and piety. John of Ephesus described him as a man of steadfast prayer, charity, and fasting, traits that marked him as a confessor of the faith—someone who endured suffering for Christ without achieving martyrdom.
One of the more intriguing aspects of Baysar’s story is the revelation of an incident from his childhood, where, as a boy, he boldly insulted and physically resisted one of his persecutors. This defiant act, though small in the larger narrative of the massacre, speaks to his innate strength and determination, even as a child. It is significant that Baysar himself did not wish for this event to be widely known, preferring to live out his life in humility and grace. Yet, John of Ephesus recorded it as a testament to the inner strength that marked Baysar from his youth.
Baysar’s life exemplifies the enduring power of faith and resilience in the face of persecution. His story, along with those of the repentant apostates, demonstrates the broader Christian message of grace and redemption. Both narratives remind us that faith, tested by extreme trials, can manifest in many forms—from the steadfastness of martyrdom to the quiet perseverance of those who survive and seek restoration.
The story of the Najran massacre, then, is not only about those who achieved martyrdom but also about those who faltered and found their way back to faith. It exemplifies the broader Christian message of grace, demonstrating that even in the darkest of times, the possibility of forgiveness and restoration remains central to the faith. On the other hand, Baysar’s life after the massacre reflects the wider Christian message of survival, resilience, and the enduring power of faith. Although he was not martyred like many others in Najran, his life as a confessor—someone who endured suffering for the faith—demonstrates that sanctity can take many forms, including one of repentance, humility, and quiet perseverance in devotion.
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