Zacharias of Jerusalem

Zacharias of Jerusalem Historical Figure Nationality: Byzantine Empire Date of Birth: 6th century Date of Death: 632 Cause of Death: Natural causes Religion: Eastern Orthodox Occupation: Clergy Political Office(s): Patriarch of Jersualem Fictional Appearances: "The Banner of Kaviyan" Set in OTL Type of Appearance: Direct (via magical vision)

Zacharias of Jerusalem was the Patriarch of Jerusalem of the Church of Jerusalem from 609 to 632. Zacharias spent most of his patriarchate as a prisoner of the Sasanian Persian King of Kings Khosrau II following the Sasanian conquest of Jerusalem. He is commemorated by the Eastern Orthodox Church on February 21.

The early life of Zacharias is unknown. He was elected patriarch in 609. During the reign of the Byzantine emperor Herakleios, the Sasanians invaded Byzantine Syria, taking Jerusalem in 614. According to Sebeos, they seized the True Cross in addition to taking tens of thousands of Christian prisoners, including Zacharias.

In 627, after rebuilding his army, Herakleios counter-attacked into Persia. Winning a decisive victory at Nineveh, Herakleios compelled the Persians to return the True Cross and the surviving captives, including Patriarch Zacharias.

Patriarch Zacharias spent his remaining days in peace until his death in 632. Patriarch Modestus, who had acted as locum tenens during Patriarch Zacharias's captivity, succeeded him on the patriarchal throne.

Zacharias in "The Banner of Kaviyan"

Thanks to the magic of the banner of Kaviyan, Shahin had visions of Khusro II's sacking of Jerusalem and his capture of Patriarch Zacharias.

References

Religious titles (OTL)
Preceded by Isaac	Patriarch of Jerusalem 609-632 (Modestus as locum tenens, 614-627)	Succeeded by Modestus