A 5th century Syrian poet who was a bishop of Balsh in the Aleppo region.
It is probable that he died before the year 449, because his name was not mentioned in the synods of 449 or 451.
His poems focus on repentance and prayers for the departed.
Many of his poems in pentasyllabic verse are included in the liturgies of the Syrian Orthodox and Maronite churches.
What he wrote
He wrote five hymns in honor of a bishop Acacius, usually identified with Acacius of Beroea (Aleppo, modern Haleb) who died ca. 437.
St. Balai also composed hymns for the dedication of the church in Qenneshrin (Chalis) and a long series of poems, many included in the liturgical books of the Syrian Church.
134 poems were published in 1902, 65 of which bear the title of his name, and 69 of which are supposed to have been written by him.