MAR TIMOTHY II: ON THE MYSTERIES[1v] By the power of our Lord Jesus Christ we begin to write the book of the Seven Causes of the EcclesialMysteries, written by Catholicos Patriarch Mar Timothy, of holy remembrance and venerable memory. Lordassist me by you mercy, amen.INTRODUCTIONFirst, the Introduction, that is, apologia: [1] to the person who has requested it Timothy, the stranger, who bythe grace of Christ administers the task of the patriarchal throne, says: [2] You, o beloved, honourable,diligent and virtuous, who are adorned in the fear of God and are beautified in steadfastness and truth,Rabban bar Sauma, priest and solitary, requested me to write for you something from the seven Causes ofthe Mysteries that are performed in our holy Church; for you have said that, even though we make use ofthem according to tradition, however [2r] the purpose of their institution is not known to us.[3] Because we are indeed caught up in activities that are hindrances to such requests, and we have noopportunity either to read or to gain an understanding - are completely unable -we have been delayed overyour requests and have allowed the enthusiasm of the zeal of your desire to cool down. [4] But when manytimes you urged and incited (us saying) that, if this matter is realised, it will be to the benefit of thecommunity, we have approached (the task) of fulfilling your desire, while taking refuge in God, and we haveapplied ourselves to bring into effect those things that you wish. [5] Even if the vision of the soul isdarkened and its suppositions are set on material things, we will draw near to speak, commencing in ourutterance to the glory of God the Father and Lord of all mysteries, and of the Son in whom the mysteriesexist, and through the power of the Holy Spirit, effective in all, [2v] we are going to delineate the causes ofthe types of the exemplars of the true mysteries; we are guided by the opinions of the holy Fathers that aregathered in their ecclesiastical writings, a...