Balai of Qenneshrin

Balai of Qenneshrin (Syriac: ܒܠܝ ܕܩܢܫܪܝܢ) was a Syriac poet who lived in Qenneshrin (Chalcis) in the early fifth century. He wrote five madroshe on Bishop Acacius of Beroea (died 436) and a madrosho on a church dedication in Qenneshrin. He may also have written twelve memre on Joseph, but these are also attributed to Ephrem and scholarship remains divided.^[1]

Very little is known about his early life. It has been suggested that he might have been a native of Edessa who later moved to Qinnasrin after being ordained a monk.^[2]

A collection of sermons is attributed to him as well.