22 July: Feast of Saint Nohra the Martyr
Saint Nohra the Martyr, also known as Mar Nohra or Mar Nahra, is regarded as the patron saint of the eyes, and his feast is celebrated on 22 July. Devotion to him is especially strong in Lebanon, where many churches, monasteries, and shrines bear his name.
Those who have suffered from eye problems may know this saint well, since he is invoked in a special way for ailments of the eyes. Many have surely visited one of his churches, shrines, or monasteries to receive a blessing, ask for his intercession, or fulfil a vow made by themselves or by a member of their family while seeking healing.
I deeply cherish these customs and traditions of our people. God, who « became flesh and dwelt among us », welcomes us with a father’s joy in his children and, through his saints, accompanies us in all our spiritual and human needs.
Who Is Saint Nohra the Martyr?
Saint Nohra the Martyr, whose veneration is widespread throughout Lebanon, has many churches and monasteries dedicated to him across the country.
He was originally from Persia and lived in the third century.
After becoming a Christian, he came to the Phoenician coast of Lebanon to preach Christ, especially in the region of Batroun, where paganism was still widespread among the Phoenicians.
The Martyrdom of Saint Nohra
According to his story, the governor strongly opposed him because people were beginning to turn toward the Christian faith, and he threatened him.
But Nohra did not retreat. He remained firm in his faith and declared:
« I am a Christian, and I proclaim the true God to the people for their salvation. »
The governor then ordered that he be put to death.
He was bound to a wooden wheel studded with nails. Yet he remained steadfast in his faith and courageous in the face of suffering.
Finally, he was beheaded in the town of Smar Jbeil, around the year 290.
The Meaning of the Name Nohra
In Syriac, Nohra means « light » or « the one who gives light ».
We wish a blessed feast to everyone named Nohra, Mounir, or Mounira.
A blessed feast of Saint Nohra to you and to all of us!
Let us ask for his intercession, that we may receive healing of our physical sight and of our inner vision, so that we may learn to see, as he did, with the eyes of Christ.
Fr. Joseph Abi Aoun
