THE SHEPHERD OF PERSIA - The incredible story of MAR ABA and the Christian Church of the East

The Shepherd of Persia: The Incredible Story of Mar Aba and the Christian Church of the East

A Magi priest who became a Christian leader. A bridge between empires. A legacy that reached the ends of the earth.

What if one of the greatest movements in Christian history was largely forgotten?

While most Western church history focuses on Rome and Europe, a thriving Christian movement spread east through Persia, Central Asia, India, and even China-centuries before many realize. At the center of that remarkable story stands Mar Aba I, a former Magi priest whose conversion to Christianity transformed him into one of the most influential leaders of the ancient Church of the East.

In The Shepherd of Persia, seminary professor Dr. Kelly Michael Hilderbrand brings this overlooked chapter of history to life through engaging storytelling grounded in careful research. Rather than presenting a dry academic study, he invites readers into the political, cultural, and spiritual world of sixth-century Persia, where believers navigated persecution, theological controversy, and competing empires while carrying the Gospel across Asia.

Drawing on years of personal study and a passion for early church history, Hilderbrand challenges common misconceptions about the so-called "Nestorian Church" and introduces readers to the rich heritage of the Church of the East-a community that became one of the largest and most influential expressions of Christianity during the Middle Ages.

Perfect for readers interested in biblical history, Christian biography, theology, missions, and the global story of the Church, The Shepherd of Persia offers a fascinating look at a forgotten Christian pioneer whose influence reached far beyond the borders of Persia.

Discover the remarkable story of Mar Aba-and the extraordinary church that helped carry the message of Christ to the ends of the earth.