Ba’utha: Supplication of the Ninevites

By Michael Antoon

In the season of Denha (Epiphany), three weeks before the Great Fast (Lent), the Chaldean Church observes one of its most significant spiritual traditions: Ba’utha d’Ninwaye, the Supplication of the Ninevites. Taking place this year from February 10 to 12, the Holy Chaldean Church of the East calls upon its faithful to participate in prayers, fasting, and repentance.

Biblical Origins of Ba’utha

Reading from the book of the prophet Jonah, we see that Jonah was commanded by God to preach repentance to the people of Nineveh. God desires to save the Ninevites, He desires their repentance and offers His mercy to them. Jonah initially resisted, fleeing in the opposite direction, only to be swallowed by a great fish. For three days, Jonah prayed within the belly of the fish, seeking forgiveness for his disobedience. After being delivered from the fish, Jonah went to Nineveh, proclaiming that the city would be destroyed unless the people repented. Immediately, the entire city—from the king to its people—responded with fasting, prayer, and a turning away from sin. God, in His mercy, spared the city.

Historical Foundations of Ba’utha

Turning to the history of Ba’utha in our Chaldean Church of the East, we look to tradition and historical accounts that give evidence of a devastating plague that struck the entire region of Mesopotamia in the 6th century. With nowhere to turn, the people turned to the church. It is said that the Metropolitan (Archbishop) of Beth Garmai (modern day Kirkuk) either heard the voice of an angel, or remembering the story of Jonah and Nineveh, called on the faithful to fast for a week—along with the Archbishop of Nineveh. Miraculously, the plague ceased, and the people were spared through their plea to almighty God. The plague occurred under the Patriarchate of Mar Hazqyal (Ezekiel). At the following synod, the fast of Ba’utha was implemented to be commemorated yearly as a three day fast in remembrance.

Another Fast of Ba’utha

Another important moment in the history of the Chaldean Church is another fast, “Ba’utha daw Thulatha” or Supplication of the Virgins, that arose in the 8th century. It is said that the Islamic Amir (prince) Abdul Malik bin Alwalid heard of or possibly visited a convent of nuns in the region. Lusting over their beauty, he ordered that they have three days to send one of them to be his wife. In response, the nuns turned to prayer and fasting, starting a special Ba’utha (supplication) to be protected. Their prayers were answered when they got word that the king unexpectedly died after having intestinal complications on the third day of their Bautha, sparing the convent.

Modern Observance of Ba’utha

Today, Ba’utha is observed for three consecutive days, beginning on the Monday three weeks before the Great Fast (Lent). Chaldeans worldwide participate in Ba’utha through fasting, prayer, and repentance. Ba’utha traditionally involves abstaining from food and drink until midday and fasting from meat and dairy entirely for the duration of the observance. There are also many who do not eat for the full three days of the fast. The community gathers together in the Holy Church to participate in the Liturgical prayers of the season which reflect on God’s mercy and our own need for repentance. These prayers of Ba’utha were written even before the time of the plague by Mar Narsai & Mar Ephrem.

Hymns, meditations and readings relate with the sorrow and agony of the people of the time as they begged the Lord to spare them, also calling us to repentance in our lives today.

On the Thursday immediately following Ba’utha, the Holy Chaldean Church of the East observes Qobaltaybootha, or “Chaldean Thanksgiving”, as a day to thank God for His mercy. In our Chaldean Diocese in Michigan and Illinois, on this day of thanksgiving is held the annual “Bishop’s Dinner”, where the community gathers with the clergy, nuns, and all faithful to raise funds for the mission of our Diocese: “to Make Christ Known to All”.

Another instance we could relate to as a Ba’utha in times of desperation was the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The three Chaldean Eparchies in North America (Detroit, San Diego, and Toronto) called upon all the faithful to pray Ba’utha prayers to end the Coronavirus pandemic.

Carrying Ba’utha Forward

Through our history, we have come to truly know Ba’utha as a sacred tradition in our Holy Church of the East (not just Chaldean). It is more than a remembrance of history, but an expression of our communities’ faith and trust in God.

By honoring the fast of Ba’utha, we preserve a cherished tradition, are called to repentance, implore mercy from God, and pass on a legacy of faith and resilience to future generations.

Ba’utha Hymn of Glory:

In pain and tears and fervent prayer, we cry to you, good Lord above!
Be our healer and our wise guide:
deep are our wounds, bitter our pain.
We have no right to plead to you: our faults abound, our malice soars.

The earth and land, and all therein have quaked and raged due to our sin.
In our own time, as Scripture says, the end of days has come on us.
In mercy, save us from distress,
for height has been confused with depth.

O good shepherd, come tend your flock, for whose sake you endured the cross.
Make peace for us in church and world, that we may live a restful life.
May we be yours, as is your will: Father, and Son, and Holy Ghost.
Who shall be praised, now and as then; From age to age: amen, amen.

Maran ithrahem ‘a-layn
Maran qabel bauthan
Maran ithra’el ‘awdayk
O Lord have mercy on us
O Lord accept our pleading
O Lord forgive your servants