Unlike its western counterpart, oriental theology is not systematic or philosophic. Fluid and complex in nature, it is more Biblical and spiritual. Oriental theologians use unique imagery and typology to interpret their religious teachings. They also often use hymns as pedagogical instruments to present their ideas. Jacob of Serugh was one of the foremost Syriac poet-theologians of this kind. Second in stature only to Ephrem the Syrian, he too used images and types abundantly to demonstrate his ideas. This book is a study on Jacob of Serugh’s vision of the Church with special reference to how he interpreted the Church as the bride of Christ. The poet–theologian extensively borrows types and images from the Old Testament to explicate Christ’s redemptive activities. Through the image of the bride, he emphatically explains the love of God for the humankind. Contents Acknowledgements Abbreviations Transliteration Table General Introduction 1. Mar Jacob of Serugh: A Theological Investigation 2. Mar Jacob's Ecclesiological Homilies and Exegetical Methodology 3. Betrothal and Marriage Imagery in Mar Jacob of Serugh 4. Christ as the Bridegroom 5. Church as the Bride of Christ 6. Eschatological Aspects in Mar Jacob's Interpretation of Bride Imagery 7. Relevance of the Bride-Bridegroom Imagery in the Present World General Conclusion Glossary Bibliography