Saint Mari, originally named Palut, was a 1st-century Syriac missionary and one of the seventy disciples. After being converted by Thaddeus of Edessa, he was sent to evangelize regions south and east of Edessa. He is recognized as a foundational figure for the Church of the East, having conducted extensive missionary work throughout Syria and Persia, including areas near Nineveh, Nisibis, and the Euphrates. He is traditionally honored as the Apostle of Persia.