narses) (399-502. Nestorian* theologian and poet. A monk who lived to a ripe age, Narsai headed the theological school in Edessa after 437. Exiled about 457, he established a new school at Nisibis on plans laid by Bishop Barsumas* and at his request. The school became the teaching center for Nestorian theology. Among his writings were dialogue songs, liturgical hymns (including a poem on baptism), rhyming and metrical sermons, and OT commentaries which are no longer extant. His poems are still used in Nestorian services.