The Syriac Orthodox Church of Sergius and Bacchus; The entrance to the church from the courtyard, the women’s door , Qaraqōš

(1) is that of the right jamb of the gate. Inscription (2) made of two lines (2a-b) is that of the lintel. Inscription (3) may be that of the left jamb. Inscription (4) must be part of the gate, though its original place is not known. The rhymed inscription is also metrical, following the metre of Mōr Balai as stated in line 1. Script: Serto. Date: 1744; this date is mentioned in the inscription on the sanctuary’s gate. VG/ '2 / . 1 J [!=*Œ# J / ‡ ] s!=+ [... 5 5 !I( 5 5 5 5 5 5 [...] 4 257 (1) (Metre of) Mōr Balai. With the might of the Single One and the name of the Trinity, the congregation of Kudēdā built the lofty church. [In this year, the accursed Persians came], (2a) burning down and carrying away villagers, as well as wheat and barley. Then [in the same year] there was the ‛alūb-famine ...]. (2b) The leader of the diocese compensated the loss, gave food and there was drink for there was no […] (3) [… people] dug and made a fur[nace (4) …] the women used to go outside gathering [wood] and carrying them for burning to make jass-plaster. And the pestil[ence …] the deadly disease. When they began [to build, the pestilence was withheld?].