NARSAI THE LEPROUS. - Syriac Nestorian writer, b. ca. 410 at 'Ajn Dulbà, d. shortly after 503. He taught for a long time in the catechetical school of Edessa. Driven out because of his Nestorian tendency, in 457 he founded the school of Nisibi, which he directed for a full 40 years.
He wrote no fewer than 360 metrical discourses and hymns that found acceptance in liturgical use. A long explanation of the Eucharistic liturgy and one of that of Baptism are also attributed to 'Abdiššo' of Elam. His writings are distinguished by the beauty of their style and earned him the nickname of "harp of the Holy Spirit."
BIBL.: A. Baumstark, Geschichte der syrischen Literatur, Bonn 1922, pp. 109-13; J.-B. Chabot, Littérature syriaque, Paris 1934, pp. 50-51.