[For the early Syriac writers, the universe, having been created by the Word, is by nature symbolic and finds completion in the Incarnation. Salvation history is a succession of types and antitypes that await realization in Christ. His theandric actions on earth bring forth new types, the Church and the mysteries/sacraments. The mysteries in turn are types foreshadowing the heavenly fulfillment. The author proposes that a theology of sacrament can be developed recognizing type and symbol as the proper vehicles of the divine presence in Creation.]