King Abgar and the Kingdom of Edessa
Edessa has been an independent principality outside of the Roman Empire in South-East-Anatolia (Turkey - Urfa). In a completely preserved sermon held on the occasion of the transfer of the cloth to Constantinople it is reported that Abgar has been ill from leprosy. He heard that by a Jesus of Nazareth people suffering of leprosy have been healed. He wrote a letter to Jesus and asked him, to come to Edessa and heal him. Jesus did not come personally, but after his crucifixion two disciples brought the shroud to Abgar and he was healed. Abgar joined the "Jesus movement" and affixed the cloth over a city-gate. It was folded in a way that only the face could be seen. At this time it was common, to affix heads of the protective gods above the city-gates.
Abgar keeps the shroud in his hands (Picture in [K] )
