Venerable Ephraim the Syrian

Life

Ephraim was born in Syria of poor parents in the time of Emperor Constantine the Great. He spent his early youth quite turbulently, but suddenly there occurred a change in his soul and he began to burn entirely with love toward the Lord Jesus. He was a disciple of Saint James of Nisibis (January 13). From great divine grace, wisdom poured from his tongue like a honeyed stream, and from his eyes tears flowed constantly. Industrious as a bee, Ephraim constantly either wrote books, or orally instructed the monks in the monastery and the people in the city of Edessa, or else devoted himself to prayer and meditation. His books are numerous, his prayers are beautiful. His most famous is that prayer for Great Lent: O Lord and Master of my life. When they wanted to take him by force to be bishop, he pretended to be mad and began to run through the city of Edessa dragging his garment behind him. Seeing this, the people left him in peace. He was a contemporary and friend of Saint Basil the Great. Saint Ephraim is primarily an apostle of repentance. His writings even today soften many hearts hardened by sin, and return them to Christ. He reposed in deep old age in the year 378.

From the Hymn of Praise

In Ephraim's heart burnsLove toward Christ,And Ephraim's tongue speaksGospel wisdom pure.