Saint Maharsapor the Persian

Also known as

  • Sapor



Persian noble raised as a Christian. When a Mazdean temple was destroyed, King Yezdigerd used it as an excuse to unleash a persecution of Christians. Arrested and tortured with Narses (sometimes Parses) and Sabutaka. The other two were then immediately executed, but Maharsapor was imprisoned for three years, regularly tortured. Repeatedly dragged before judge Hormisdavrus for interrogation, he was given chances to win his freedom by denouncing his faith; he always declined. The persecutions were continued in the reign of Varanes V, and Maharsapor was eventually thrown into a pit to starve. He was found dead three days later, kneeling, surrounded by light, apparently having died in prayer.




Additional Information

MLA Citation

  • “Saint Maharsapor the Persian“. CatholicSaints.Info. 11 October 2008. Web. 6 May 2015. <>