Behnam and Sara are the children of Sennacherib, the pagan king of Nineveh (Iraq) who reigned in the 4th century.
One day, while Behnam was hunting with his companions on Mount Alfaf, they encountered the hermit Mar Mattai (Saint Matthew) on their way, who preached the Gospel to them. Upon learning that Sara was suffering from leprosy, Mar Mattai struck the ground, causing a spring to gush forth, which purified Sara and healed her. After this miracle, they were all baptized.
When Sennacherib learned of his daughter’s and son’s conversion, he flew into a great rage and had Behnam, Sara, and their companions executed. Shortly after the death of his children, the king was struck with madness, but after being healed through the intercession of Mar Mattai, he immediately decided to convert and be baptized.
In memory of his martyred children, the ruler had a mausoleum built, which would later become a monastery and an iconic pilgrimage site for the Syriac Catholic Church.
Between 2014 and 2016, the Islamic State blew up part of the convent, which was rebuilt in 2018 thanks to international efforts.
According to the Syriac Church, the two saints are commemorated on December 10.
