4th century
Saint Jacob of Nisibis
An ascetic and bishop of Nisibis who took part in the First Ecumenical Council and guided Ephrem the Syrian.
Biography
Jacob came from Nisibis in Mesopotamia and loved the solitary life, withdrawing to the mountains of the region, where he endured harsh weather with patience, living on wild herbs and wearing a single tunic.
Tradition credits him with gifts of foresight and healing. For his virtue he became bishop of Nisibis and took part in the First Ecumenical Council at Nicaea in 325, and he served as the spiritual father of Ephrem the Syrian.