COSROE (Husrav) I, PERSIAN EMPEROR. - He reigned from 531 to 579. In 540 C. began his campaigns against the Byzantines and at the same time unleashed against his Christian subjects a persecution promoted especially by the magi. The principal victims were Pirāngušnasp, called Gregory, and Jazdapanāh, two distinguished converts from Mazdaism. Many others were harassed and persecuted, among them also the eminent katholikós of the Nestorian Church, Mār Ābā, who was spared death thanks to a certain benevolence granted him by C. and to fear of provoking dangerous reactions on the part of the numerous Christians. Indeed, Mār Ābā intervened on behalf of C. against Anōšazāt, his rebellious son. After the death of Mār Ābā, C. chose Joseph as his successor (552), but he was not well received by the bishops. They subsequently deposed him, probably in 567. C. approved the appointment of Ezekiel as his successor. In his final years the persecution had died out. A son of C. converted to Christianity and was baptized with the name George.
Ignazio Ortiz de Urbina