Pray for the sinner, Deacon Ibrāhīm.
AA.16 The Chaldean Monastery of Mār Mīkā’īl
The monastery is located 6 km northwest of Mosul (see the map in section A above), and is named after a local monk, called in Syriac sources “Michael, the friend of Angels” (4th century if we believe inscription AA.16.02). Not much is known about him, and the available pertinent sources are both late and legendary. The monastery was founded prior to the 8th century, since at the very beginning of this date we hear about its Abbot. During the 10th century, the monk and chemist Stephen “of Mār Mīkā’īl” lived in it, and one century later the famous historian, Ēlīā of Nisibis, was educated there. The monastery was renovated during the 13th century, and its name continued to be mentioned in literary sources; Fiey 1965-1968, vol. II, p. 660–671. It was definitely renovated in 1867 (AA.16.01), and it was not abandoned until recently. Nowadays, it is attached to the Chaldean church of Mār Ēša‛iā in Mosul (AA.01). I am grateful to the late Father Yōh∗annān Chōlāġ for allowing me to photograph the inscription.
