Saint Ephrem of Syria

[Saint Ephrem of Syria]
Also known as
Deacon of Edessa
Ephraem
Ephraim the Syrian
Ephraim
Harp of the Holy Spirit
Sun of the Syrians
Memorial
9 June
formerly 18 June
formerly 1 February
Profile
May have been the son of a pagan priest. Brought to the faith by Saint James of Nisibis, and baptized at age 18. Helped to evangelize Nisibis, Mesopotamia. May have attended the Council of Nicaea in 325. Deacon. Preacher. Had a great devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. In 363 Nisibis was ceded to Persia; a great persecution of Christians began, and Eprem led an exodus of the faithful to Edessa. Founded a theological school in Edessa. Writer of homilies and hymns; poet. Helped introduce the use of hymns in public worship. Fought Gnosticism and Arianism by his writings, including poems and hymns. Proclaimed Doctor of the Church in 1920.
Born
c.306 at Nisibis, Mesopotamia (in modern Syria)
Died
9 June 373 at Edessa (in modern Iraq); tomb in Armenian monastery, Der Serkis, west of Edessa
Name Meaning
fruitful (hebrew)
Patronage
spiritual directors
spiritual leaders
Prayers
Prayer by Saint Ephrem
Prayer for Strength in Weakness
Prayer in Honor of Christ's Passion
Representation
hermit sitting on a column
man in a cave with a book
man with a cross on his brow, pointing upwards
Images
Gallery of images of Saint Ephrem
Additional Information
Catholic Online
Catholic Encyclopedia, by Jerome Labourt
Christian Biographies, by James E Keifer
Ecole Glossary, by Karen Rae Keck
For All The Saints, by Katherine Rabenstein
Google Directory
New Catholic Dictionary
Principi Apostolorum Petro, by Pope Benedict XV
Vietnamese Eucharistic Youth Society
The Book of Saints, by the Monks of Ramsgate
Our Sunday Visitor's Encyclopedia of Saints, by Matthew Brunson
Translate
español | français | deutsch | italiano | português
Readings
Virtues are formed by prayer. Prayer preserves temperance. Prayer suppresses anger. Prayer prevents emotions of pride and envy. Prayer draws into the soul the Holy Spirit, and raises man to Heaven.

Saint Ephraem
Remember me, you heirs of God, you brethren of Christ; supplicate the Savior earnestly for me, that I may be freed through Christ from him that fights against me day by day.

Ephrem: The Fear at the End of Life, 370AD
You victorious martyrs who endured torments gladly for the sake of the God and Savior, you who have boldness of speech toward the Lord himself, you saints, intercede for us who are timid and sinful men, full of sloth, that the grace of Christ may come upon us, and enlighten the hearts of all of us that so we may love him.

Ephrem: Commentary on Mark, 370AD
Lord, shed upon our darkened souls the brilliant light of your wisdom so that we may be enlightened and serve you with renewed purity. Sunrise marks the hour for men to begin their toil, but in our souls, Lord, prepare a dwelling for the day that will never end. Through our unremitting zeal for you. Lord, set upon us the sign of your day that is not measured by the sun.

In your sacrament we daily embrace you and receive you into our bodies; make us worthy to experience the resurrection for which we hope. Teach us to find our joy in your favor!

Savior, your crucifixion marked the end of your mortal life; teach us to crucify ourselves and make way for our life in the Spirit.

from a sermon by Saint Ephrem
Saints Index SQPN Contact Author