Back in January, Assyrians took a 3 day fast in remembrance of the repentance that the city of Nineveh undertook in the story of the prophet Jonah.

During this fast, adherents cannot eat until noon and must abstain from consuming dairy and meat, with some giving up all food and drink altogether.

But why, nearly 3000 years later, do these communities commemorate Jonah's message and the subsequent repentance of the Ninevites?

The story of Ba'utha, which literally translates to "petition" (but may also be interpreted as "begging," "pleading," or "supplication"), begins in the biblical account of Jonah.

Jonah is instructed by God to go to Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, to urge its people to repent of their sinful ways.

Defying God, Jonah attempts to flee by sea but is caught in a storm and swallowed by a great fish, spending three days and nights in its belly. After praying and being saved, Jonah finally goes to Nineveh, where he successfully convinces the inhabitants, including the king, to repent and fast, thus averting divine wrath.

Jonah initially refuses his mission from God, believing that as non-believers, the Ninevites are unworthy of divine mercy. His eventual compliance, after being punished and saved by God, leads to the repentance of Nineveh, where all, including animals, fast and turn away from sin without question.

Over time, the people of Nineveh and the broader region of Mesopotamia, among the earliest to adopt Christianity, continued to revere the teachings of the prophet Jonah, particularly during crises.

An early instance in the 6th century AD illustrates this enduring influence when a severe plague ravaged Mesopotamia, severely impacting the capital, Seleucia-Ctesiphon.

In response, the metropolitans of the Church of the East, including Adiabene and Beth Garmaï, organized prayer, fasting, and penitence services, echoing the their ancestor's actions during Jonah's time.

The epidemic, lasting four years and killing thousands, immediately subsided, a result from the populace's repentant prayers and fasting.

Another account of Ba'utha being observed occurred in the 8th century AD.

While facing threats from the Umayyad Caliph Abdul Malik bin Alwalid, known for his hostility towards Christians, nuns in northern Mesopotamia initiated a Bautha.

The Caliph heard of the great beauty of the virgin nuns and planned to claim them as his slaves / wives. The Nuns, fearing being taken away from God, sought divine protection against the Caliph's plans to capture them.

Remarkably, news of his sudden death came the following day, a response from God miraculous response to their prayers.

In contemporary times, Christian communities in Iraq and Syria, who faced the atrocities of ISIS, have continued to observe Bautha.

This practice is a testament to their enduring resilience and strength, a legacy handed down by their ancient ancestors.

Despite the devastating impact of ISIS, which left an indelible mark on these persecuted communities, the spirit of the Suraya remains unbroken. With ISIS now defeated, these communities have embarked on a journey of renewal and restoration.

They are actively rebuilding their ancient churches and shrines, once ravaged by Islamic extremists, demonstrating a profound commitment to preserving their heritage and faith.