Writings of the Syriac Church Fathers

Syriac Writers Listed Alphabetically

Ab Yeshua, Bar Bahrees, Metropolitan of Athur, wrote on the Division of Inheritances, and an Explanation of the different Church Services.

Abd Mesheeh, of Heerta, wrote a book rich in meaning.

Abd Yeshua bar Akarwé wrote several anthems, and a work on the origin of Things.

Aboo-Nuah wrote a work against the Koran, a treatise against Heretics, and on several other subjects.

Ahoob, of Kotra, wrote a Commentary on the Old and New Testaments with the exception of the Pentateuch.

Akb-Shma wrote homilies, Consolations, anthems, on the Principles of Knowledge and Proverbs.

Akhoodemé wrote against the Philosophers and Magi, and on the limits of things. He also wrote a book on Logic, another on the Persons [of Christ], and a third on the inquiry : "Has the will power over the nature of man?" in two parts. He also wrote on the Soul, showing that man is a small world in himself, besides many other instructive treatises in beautiful style and language.

Alexandros wrote a work against the blasphemy of Julian.

Andor, the Scholar, wrote a dissertation on many things, arranged alphabetically, which he sent to his friend Koorta.

Andraos wrote antiphons, and a work on the diacritical and vowel points.

Anos, of Piros-Shaboor, wrote poems, Consolations, and many other works.

Ara wrote a work against the Magi, and another against Bardassenes, entitled "Beetles."

Auraham bar Dishended, wrote a Book of Advice, an exposition of the writings of Father Marcos, a treatise against the Jews, another entitled "the Way of the King," poems on Repentance, and many epistles on various subjects.

Auraham bar Kardâkhé wrote anthems, Consolations, poems, and homilies, and an Epistle against Shisban.

Auraham bar Lipah wrote a Rationale of the different Services.

Auraham Katteena wrote Catechisms.

Auraham of Beit Rabban wrote an exposition of Joshua, Judges, Kings, the Wisdom of the son of Sirach, and Isaiah, in two volumes; also a Commentary on the twelve minor Prophets, on Daniel, and the Song of Solomon, and a book of Moutwé, ³ divided into chapters.

Auraham Saba wrote a beautiful Catechism.

Auraham, Metropolitan of Basra, wrote several epistles.

Auraham, of Beit Hâlé, wrote a treatise against the Tai [Arabs.]

Auraham, of Mahozé, wrote Consolations, Epistles, an account of all the Festivals, and a book of Antiphons.

Auraham, of Nethpra, wrote many works.

Awa bar Brikh Sowyâne wrote a work on Strategy, several expositions, and antiphons full of wisdom.

Awa, of Cashgar, wrote several homilies and epistles, a book on the rules of Logic, and another in which he explains the Logic of Aristotle.

Babai of Nisibis, wrote poems, epistles, hymns, narratives, and several homilies.

Babai the Great wrote eighty-three books, in one of which he gives an account of the origin of the Feast of Palms, a dissertation on the union of Christ's humanity and divinity, and an exposition of the Book of Hundreds. ⁶ He also expounded the book written by the Father Marcos, wrote an account of Diodorus and his followers, of the Feast of the Cross, and of the Saints for the cycle of the year, such as the Feasts of S. Mary, S. John, and the other feasts and commemorations. He moreover wrote a book for conventual Novices, an epistle to Joseph the Seer, rules for Monks, and an exposition of the whole Bible. Also a work on the Causes of Things, in which he speaks of Mattai who was translated, of Auraharn of Nisibis, and of Gawrièl of Kutr [or Kutra.]

Babai, the Persian, who became Bishop of Riu Ardsheer, wrote a work solving various difficult questions.

Babai, the Scribe, of Maarra, wrote a work on the Distinction of Things.

Bar Bahlool collated a Lexicon from many books, assisted by Yeshua bar Ali the Physician, Marozi, and Gawrièl.

Bar Daknâna wrote poems for the consolation of the sorrowing.

Bar Dkôsi wrote two volumes against the Chaldeans, and another against Porphyry the heretic.

Bar Had-Bshabba, the Arab, wrote a work entitled "The Book of Treasures," in three volumes, and other polemical treatises, against the Gentiles, such as idolaters and others. He also wrote a history, and an account of Mar Diodorus and his followers, and an exposition of Mark the Evangelist, and of the Psalter.

Bar Sehde, of Kerkook, wrote a History, and a work against the Magi, the disciples of Zoroaster.

Bar Shhak wrote one book.

Barsoma wrote homilies, anthems, and other poems : also a liturgy, and many epistles.

Barsoma, of Kerkook, wrote a work called "the Liver," and another containing thanksgivings, Consolations, and Antiphons.

Behishua, of Kamool, wrote on the Monastic life.

Bood Piryadotha wrote poems on the Faith, a treatise against the Manichees, and another against the followers of Marcion. He also wrote a work in Greek, entitled "Alep-Megheen," and it was he who translated "Kleilagh oo Dimnagh" ⁷ from the Indian language.

Cyprian, of Nisibis, expounded the Theology of Gregory the Great, and compiled an Ordination Office.

Dad-Yeshua expounded the "Paradise" of the Westerns, and the work of Father Isaiah, and wrote other books on the right mode of living. He also wrote a hymn on the consecration of a Cell, a funeral Dirge, several Epistles, and a Catechism on the Spiritual Life and Quiet.

Dad-Yeshua wrote a wonderful exposition of Daniel, of the Kings, and of the book of Wisdom, in three volumes.

Dad-Yeshua, Bishop of Heerta, called Mattushuah, wrote a Catechism on the Holy Scriptures, and Anthems.

Damanis wrote poems.

Danièl ibn Mariam wrote a History in four volumes, and another expounding the Chronicon.

Danièl, of Reish Aina, wrote poems against the Marcionites, Manichees, Heretics, and Chaldeans.

Daniel, of Toowaneetha, Bishop of Tahl, wrote a work entitled "the Book of Lilies," Consolations, and Antiphons. Also a book solving the difficulties contained in Holy Scripture, Replies to different Queries, one of Thanksgiving, another of Poems, a Solution of the difficulties in the writings of Mar Ishak of Nineveh, and an exposition of the Heads of Knowledge.

Dinha expounded the Psalms, and wrote Consolations, and other treatises on Church subjects. He also explained the two books of Gregory, and the Logic of Aristotle.

Elîa bar Kanosh wrote Benedictions, Narratives, a treatise on the use of the Psalms, and on the Sacraments of the Church.

Elîa bar Yeshnâya, Metropolitan of Nisibis, wrote a History, a Grammar, poems, four books of Church rules, and epistles on various subjects in Syriac and Arabic.

Elîa, Metropolitan of Marro, wrote antiphons, Consolations, and a Commentary on all the Gospel Lessons; also epistles, and an account of the origin of the Moutwé, and an Exposition of the Proverbs, Genesis, the Psalms, Ecclesiastes, the Song of Solomon, the Wisdom of the Son of Sirach, Isaiah, the Twelve Prophets, and the Epistles of the Apostle Paul. He also compiled an authentic History.

Elîa, of Azak, wrote three books of poetry, questions, epistles, prefaces and anthems.

Elisha bar Sabîné wrote an Exposition of the Psalter, on Different Opinions, and a chapter of Proverbs.

Elisha, the Expounder, wrote a Commentary on Job, and on the Second Epistle to the Corinthians, and on the three following epistles. He also composed an account of the Moutwé, and another of the Martyrs, a book of Thanksgivings, and a poem on Shimoon of Germakh. Besides which he explained the Chronicon of Eusebius.

Emmanuèl, the Doctor, wrote a work on the six days of Creation in poetry, homilies, and expositions.

Ephraem the Great, called the Prophet of the Syriacs, wrote a commentary on Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Joshua, Judges, Samuel, the Kings, the Psalms, Isaiah, the Twelve Prophets, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel; besides other books and Epistles on the faith of the Church, poems, anthems, and hymns, and the Anneedhé, [Services for the dead]. He wrote also on the alphabet, a controversy with the Jews, and treatises against Manes, Bardassenes, and Marcion, and an answer to the blasphemy of Julian.

Ephràm, of Elam, wrote a work on the Faith.

Eprahat, the wise Persian, of happy memory, wrote two books, and many poems alphabetically arranged.

Father Yazeedad wrote a vocabulary called "Lookaté."

Gawrièl Arya, of the family of Ishâk of Nineveh, wrote an Exposition of many extracts taken from the whole Bible.

Gawrièl, Bishop of Shabookhwest, wrote a catechism, homilies, controversies, Consolations, and anthems.

Gawrièl, brother of the above, and Bishop of Hormuzdshir, wrote a work against Manes, and another against the Chaldeans, besides Homilies and other treatises on various subjects, to the extent of about three hundred chapters.

Gawrièl, of Basra, collected all the Synodal Canons, in two volumes, and added thereto several dissertations.

Gawrièl, of Kotra, wrote a poem on the union of Christ, and a solution of the difficulties of the Faith.

Gheorghees, Catholicos, wrote hymns, anthems, a Litany for the Fast of the Ninevites, and a few other Canons and poems.

Gheorghees, of Nishra, wrote a book on Obedience.

Gregor, of Shushtre, wrote a work against Heathenism, on Natural Evidences, Consolations, anthems, a narrative of Auraham of Shushtre, a History, and an account of the different Festivals. It was he who originated the chant "Ittayyeb b'awadheicon." ⁸

Gregorius, of Deir, wrote one book and several epistles.

Habeeb, the Anchorite, wrote Meditations on the Life of Christ, Elements of Knowledge, and made several chants and tunes for Anthems.

Heeba, Comar, and Proba, translated the writings of Theodorus of Mopsuestia from Greek into Syriac, as they did also the works of Aristotle. This same Heeba wrote also a commentary on the Proverbs, Antiphons, and other poems, and a polemical work against the heretics.

Hnan-Yeshua wrote a treatise on Chanting.

Hnan-Yeshua, Catholicos, wrote a collection of epistles, Consolations, and anthems, in five books, besides other poems and ten dissertations.

Hnan-Yeshua, surnamed Hgheera [the lame] wrote antiphons, epistles, Consolations, homilies, poems, and several catechisms: also a book of Thanksgiving, on account of Serghees Doda, Two Reasons for Schools, and an Analogical exposition.

Hnâna of Hdheiyyeb wrote a Commentary on the Psalms, Genesis, Job, the Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, the Song of Solomon, the Twelve Prophets, on the Gospel of S. Mark, and the Epistles of S. Paul. Also an exposition of the Faith and Sacraments, a Catechism and a Treatise on the Origin of the Festival of Palms, with poems thereon. Besides these he wrote on the origin of the festivals of Golden Friday, ⁵ of that in commemoration of the Humiliation of the Ninevites, and on the Invention of the Cross, with many other works condemned by Theodorus of Mopsuestia.

Hoonein, the physician, the son of Ishâk, wrote a book on the fear of God, a Grammar, and a Vocabulary.

Ishâk of Nineveh wrote seven books on the spiritual and divine Sacraments, and one on the Distribution of Food.

Jacob, of Edessa, wrote a Book of the Times, and a Chronicon.

Johanan of Beit Rabban, wrote a commentary on Genesis, Leviticus, Numbers, Job, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Proverbs, a book against the Magi, one on the Customs of the Jews, and another against heretics. He wrote also a poem on the humiliation of the Ninevites, one on the death of Chosroes, and another on the plague which visited Nisibis, together with consolations for all conditions of men, a Catechism on the Old and New Testament, hymns, poems, and a treatise on Chanting.

John of Dilyâtha wrote two books, besides epistles on the monastic life.

Joseph the Seer wrote 1900 chapters on various theological subjects, and a book called the "Treasure," in which he solves many difficult questions. He also wrote a work on Calamities, an Exposition of the work entitled the "Merchant's Book," and another, in two volumes, on the Paradise of the Easterns, which contains many historical notices. Besides these, he composed a commentary on the Prophet Ezekiel, a treatise on the Festivals, and an exposition of the Heads of Knowledge, and of the works of Dionysius. He moreover expounded the Vision of Mar Gregorius, and wrote epistles on the life of Anchorites.

Kindi wrote an excellent work on Polemics, and another on the Faith.

Kioré wrote various dissertations, homilies, and anaphoras.

Kuriakòs wrote an exposition of the Faith and Sacraments, another work on the Nativity and Epiphany, and a Commentary on the Epistles of S. Paul.

Mar Athken, the Anchorite, wrote a Controversy with the Wise Brother, and many epistles on the right way of living.

Mar Awa the Great translated the entire Old Testament from the Greek into this Syriac tongue; he also wrote an exposition of Genesis, the Psalms, Proverbs, the Epistle to the Romans, the second to the Corinthians, the three following Epistles, and that also to the Hebrews. He wrote, moreover, several poems and anthems for the Canons ⁴ of the Psalter, a synodal epistle on the Discipline of the Church, and other Ecclesiastical Rules and Canons.

Mar Daweedh, of Beit Rabban, wrote on the Boundaries of countries, and on the Changes of nights and days.

Mar Elîa, the First, wrote Decrees, a treatise on Church matters, and a Grammar.

Mar Shlemon, Bishop of Hdhetta near Mosul, wrote several narratives, and a treatise on the Monastic Life.

Mar Shooha ´l Mâran, of Seleucia, wrote a work called the "Book of Portions," another on Elements of Knowledge, besides many useful epistles.

Mar Yau, wrote an epistle and an exposition of the same for Epni Mâran.

Mar Yaw-ahui wrote an epistle to the Eastern Papa, in whose days a letter was written by the Westerns raising this Eastern See into a Patriarchate. The letter was sent, with all honour, by the hands of Agepta of Elam.

Mari, the Persian, wrote a Commentary on Daniel, an explanation of the epistle of Akak, and a work against the Magi of Nisibis.

Marootha, Bishop of Meiparket, the learned physician, wrote a book of Evidences, Antiphonae, and hymns in honour of the Martyrs. He also expounded the Canons of the 318 [of Nice], and wrote a full account of that Holy Synod.

Meelis wrote epistles and treatises on various subjects.

Meshikha Skha also wrote a History.

Michael composed a book of Inquiries into the Bible, in three volumes.

Mikha, the Doctor, wrote Five Causes of the Moutwé, a poem on Cantropos [?], and another on Mar Sawr-Yeshua, of Lashum. Also an exposition of the books of the Kings of Israel.

Narsai, the Harp of the Soul, wrote an exposition of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Joshua, Judges, Ecclesiastes, Isaiah, the twelve minor Prophets, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel. He wrote also twelve other books, three hundred and sixty poems, a Liturgy, an exposition of the Sacraments, and a treatise on Baptism. He wrote, moreover, Consolations, Antiphonae, hymns, litanies, homilies, and a treatise on an Evil Life.

Nathnièl wrote against the followers of Severus, against Manes, and against the Kanthi and Mandri [Sabaeans], and an Exposition of the Psalms.

Pâkor wrote one book.

Paul of Nisibis wrote a Commentary on the Bible, a treatise against Caesar, and various epistles.

Paulona wrote poems, a dissertation against inquirers, a treatise against Marcion, a book on Believers, and another on the Creed.

Paulos, of Ambar, wrote a work against the epistle of Omar, Consolations, and Antiphons, and a treatise against different persons.

Poplius wrote two books, one on Holy Things, and a Remembrancer.

Serghees of Reish Aina wrote a treatise on Logic.

Serghees wrote an exposition of Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and of Daniel, after the style of the ancients.

Shallecta, Bishop of Reish Aina, wrote Antiphons, Consolations, Prayers, Canons, and hootamât, [collects for the conclusion of Divine Service]. He also expounded two Litanies.

Shehdost, of Teheran, wrote several Synodal Epistles and Letters, besides many small poems and Antiphons.

Shimeon Barsabbaï wrote epistles to Mar Acac.

Shimoon bar Tabbâhé wrote a History.

Shimoon of Taibootha, wrote a work entitled "the way to live," another on Medicine, and an Exposition of the Sacraments.

Shimoon, of Bedhka, wrote a History.

Shimoon, of Kurdlah, wrote 1,028 poems and anthems.

Shlemon, of Khlàt, of Basra [prob. Metrop.], wrote a work entitled Debboreetha [lit. The Bee], another on the Heavens and the Earth, and several poems.

Soreen, the Expounder, wrote in Greek against the heretics, and a book of evidences.

Susai, of Sus, wrote a book of Thanksgivings.

The Disciples of Mar Awa wrote many poems, and an exposition of the prophecy of Daniel.

The Turkish Expounder wrote a work on the Joys of Heaven.

Theodore, Metropolitan of Marro, wrote an account of Mar Eughène, and of the Greek doctors, in poetry; also an Exposition of the Psalms, and other poems, in which he answered the ten theses of Serghees. He composed another excellent book, moreover, at the instance of Mar Awa, the Catholicos.

Theodorus bar Coozai wrote a Scholion, a History, and many other dissertations.

Timatheos wrote a book on the Stars, another against the Mehdi, another on Church Matters, with many Synodal Canons, two hundred epistles collected into two volumes, a catechism, and a dissertation against heretics.

Tooma of Edessa wrote on the origin of the Feasts of the Nativity and Epiphany, an epistle to Kâlé, a work against astrology, a book of Consolations, and a polemical treatise against heretics.

Tooris, the Anchorite, composed a book in two volumes.

Yakoob, of Kelta, wrote an exposition of the Proverbs, poems on Diodorus, and a book on the Faith of the Church.

Yeshua bar Nun wrote a work called "Theologia," Inquiries into the Bible, in two volumes, a book of sentences, of the Causes of things, Consolations, and epistles. He wrote also on the different Church Services, antiphons, and anthems.

Yeshua Pâna, of Kotra, wrote hortatory poems, an exposition of the "Book of Hundreds," another on the Philosophy of the Soul, and many poems, anthems, epistles, Consolations, and hymns, arranged alphabetically.

Yeshua-Bukht wrote a book on All Things, and another on Church Matters, and poems on the Air.

Yeshua-dad, also of Hdhetta, wrote a Commentary on the New Testament, and a short exposition of the Pentateuch.

Yeshua-Dnah, of Basra, wrote three books of History, an exposition of Logic, Consolations, Anthems, and Poems, and a treatise on Chastity, in which he collected an account of all the Saints.

Yeshua-yau, of Erzona, wrote a work against Eunomius, and another against an heretical Bishop. Also twenty-three Queries on the Sacraments of the Church, a Synodal Preface, Epistles, and Canons.

Yeshua-yau, of Gadhla, wrote a commentary on the Psalms, together with epistles, dissertations, and poems on various subjects.

Yeshua-yau, of Hdheyyeb, wrote on a Change of Mind, and an Advice to Monastic Novices. He also arranged the Khudhra, and the Baptismal Office, and wrote an Office for the Consecration of a New Church, as also an Ordination Office, and the Office of Hoosâyé. He wrote, moreover, many antiphons, epic poems, epistles, anthems, and Consolations, in the most beautiful style, and a controversial treatise against certain persons.

Yohanan bar Abgaré wrote Canons and Homilies on Church matters, and on the Division of Inheritances.

Yohanan bar Keldon wrote a valuable work called "Busnâya," another on the Most Beautiful, and a third on the Merchandize of the Monks.

Yohanan bar Khâmees, Bishop of Temnoon, also wrote a Grammar.

Yohanan bar Pinkhâyé wrote seven books, one on the Education of Children, a controversial treatise against the "Words of a Merchant," one against Idolatry, one on the Seven Eyes of the Lord, one on Perfection, and a Catechism.

Yohanan el-Ezrak, of Heerta, wrote a book of Homilies, a Guide, and two hundred and eighty epistles.

Yohanan Hermis wrote poems.

Yohanan of Deilom wrote nine poems.

Yohanan, of Estooni, wrote a Grammar.

Yohanan, of Germaka, wrote on the Principles of Knowledge, Rules for Novices, a short Chronicon, an account of Mar Koodehwi, and many poems and anthems.

Yohanan, of Nineveh, wrote a work on Controversy.

Zacchai, of Supna, wrote on the Wonders of the World.

The Greek Emperors Constantine, Leo, and Theodosius the Great, convened the Synods of the Westerns, that of the Apostles, of Nice, of Byzantium, of Gangra, the false one of Ephesus, that of Chalcedon, of Antioch, and the -- -- of the Greek Emperors. ⁹

And we possess the Eastern Synods of Ishâk, of Barsoma, of Mar Awa, of Mar Hezkièl, of Yosep, of Yeshua-yau, of Mar Timataos, of Yeshua bar Nun, of Yohanan, the Acts of Shimoon, the Acts of Yeshua-Bukht, Metropolitan of Persia, and those of Abd Yeshua and of Gheorghees, Metropolitans of Athor, besides two volumes of Synods collated by Gawrièl, Metropolitan of Basra, and another of the Catholicos Mar Elîa the First, and four of Elîa of Nisibis, surnamed Bar Ishnâya. We possess, moreover, many other books whose authors' names are unknown; such as the book entitled "the Enlightenment," and the book on the Union. [Here several lines of the original are destroyed.]

Abd Yeshua, my vile self, wrote a Commentary on the Bible [MS. defaced], the book of the Paradise of Eden, a collection of Synods in Arabic, the book entitled Marghianeetha ¹⁰ on the Truth of the Faith, a treatise on the Mysteries of the Grecian Philosophers, and another called "Scholasticus," against heresy. I also collated a book of Church Laws and Discipline, and another consisting of twelve treatises on knowledge in general, besides Consolations, antiphons, and anthems, for various occasions, an explanation of the Epistle sent by Aristotle to Alexander the Great [MS. defaced], also a work solving many difficult questions, and one of arguments, proverbs, and riddles.