FOREWORD
This period begins with the two philosophers, Wafa the Aramaean, in the pre-Christian era and then Bar Daysan, who lived at the end of the second and the beginnirlg of the third centuries A.D. It ends with Iliyya, bishop of Sinjar (d. 758). The writers of this period were distinguished for their originality, luciclity, and style. They were also famous for the number and value of their work. Indeed, this period is considered the golden era of the Syriac language. These masterful writers crowned the Syriac language with literary gems, attaining the acme of philosophy, theology, Biblical commentaries, polemics and devotional duties, their unsurpassed excellence in jurisprudence, history, poetry, sermons, prose, biographies as well as story writing, reveals their ability and excellent taste.
In this period flourished Ephraim the Great, Asuna, Cyrillona, Isaac of Amid, Marutha, Rabula, Balai the bishop, Isaac of Edessa, Simon the potter and Jacob of Saruj. Philoxenus of Mabug astonished his contemporaries with his eloquence and Paul of Callinicus was well-known for his precise translation of religious writings. Other famous writers of their time were Sergius of Ras Ayn, Severus of Antioch, the illustrious theologian, John bar Talla, John bar Aphtonya, Daniel of Salh, the commentator on the Scriptures, and the two historians: Zachariah of Mitylene and John of Ephesus. Peter of Callinicus the theologian, Patriarch Paul of Talla, Paul of Edessa and Thomas of Harclea, the translator of the Scriptures, and other books were all written during this period. John III of the Sedras, John of Busra and the philosophers Severus Sabukht, Athanasius II, Jacob of Edessa, George bishop of the Arabs, John of Atharib, Phocas bar Sergius and Iliyya bishop of Sinjar and many others such as the monks of the Qarqafta (the Skull) monastery who translated Greek writings, composed religious rituals and vocalized the Holy Scriptures.
CHAPTER ONE
– The Psalms and Praises of Solomon
6. Miles, bishop of Sus (d. 341)
10 – 13 – The Puplis of St. Ephraim