On the biographical information about St. Isaac the Syrian in Greek and Arabic

Part. II. Arabic life

Abstract

The biographical information in Greek about St. Isaac the Syrian was reviewed in the first part of the work. The information is contained in the preface (written no later than XIII — early XIV c.) to the Greek translation of the works of the saint. The Arabic biography of St. Isaac the Syrian written no later than 1278 is discussed in the present paper. This is done in the context of mentioned Greek preface. A list of manuscripts preserved with the Arabic life is provided. Autobiographical parallels from St. Isaac’s own works are given and one of the possible reasons for saint’s entering to the Mar Mattai monastery is discussed, along with the time he spent on the Nineveh throne. It is shown that the Greek preface not only does not contradict (contrary to J. B. Chabot’s opinion) the Arabic life, but even agrees well with it.