Homilies and Songs, Volume 1

Narsai wrote, according to Ebedjesu, 360 homilies (365 according to Mari) 1, of which nearly half no longer exist; in these homilies, he dealt with almost all points of the Christian Faith.

III LITURGICAL AND MORAL WORKS:

They include, says Ebedjesu: ṭaksā d-qūrbā qūddašē Order of the Holy Oblation/Liturgy — pūšāqā d-rāzē wa-d-maʿmūdītā Interpretation of the Mysteries and of Baptism — bāʿwātā d-bēt anīdē we-madrāšē Consolatory prayers and various hymns — ʿānyātā wa-ṣlawātā gāwānāyē Canticles and public prayers — martyānūtā Admonitions — wa-ktābā d-ʿal šūḥlāpā d-dūbārē and a book on the corruption of morals. We shall say very little about each one.

ṭaksā d-qūrbā Liturgy 2: In Christian antiquity, and especially in the Nestorian Church, it was rare for simple priests to attempt to compose a liturgy, as this was something only bishops could do; the reason for this is readily apparent, as only bishops were able to lend authority to these liturgies in their own churches. Let these be examples: Jacob of Sarugh 3; Barsaumas 4; Simeon of Beth Arsham 5; Philoxenus (circa 520); Peter of Callinicus 6. This truly demonstrates the merit Narsai held as a simple priest in the Syro-Oriental Church.

pūšāqā d-rāzē Interpretation of the Mysteries: The word rāzē mysteries can be taken here in a double sense, either in the common sense for all the Sacraments of the Church, or solely for the Sacrament of the Eucharist, which consists of two species, bread and wine. This second interpretation is much more probable (see the following note). Through the word rāzē mysteries, modern Eastern Christians designate the solemn Mass.

wa-d-maʿmūdītā and of Baptism: Whether the author composed a complete rite of Baptism, or a simple explanation, is not entirely clear; the latter pleases me more. In this passage, the Syriac text reads: "For this explanation of Baptism was also spoken of beautifully, and how it was revealed. The judgment that occurred concerning the Oblation is unknown; and he spoke aerially metaphorical: vaguely or in an elevated/disembodied manner of all of them and their power; and it is more fitting to think that it was after he had passed away."

(1) Ibid. p. 44; cf. Assem. B. O. III, II, p. 927.
(2) A very small part of this book exists in the prayer of the Missal used until now by the Chaldeans, which begins with the words ... šārā d-tē’ōlōgīā the beginning of the theology; tēlāt zbanīn three times twice; cf. Mosul Missal, 1900 edition, p. 26; for many manuscripts of the Missal attribute it to Narsai.
(3) Renaudot. Liturg. Orien. collec. II, 356.
(4) Assem. B. O. III, I, p. 66.
(5) Assem. B. O. I, p. 345.
(6) Assem. B. O. II, p. 77 et sqq.