|
Feast Day: June 09
![[Saint Ephrem icon]](st%20ephrem%20of%20syria_files/image002.jpg)
Also known as
Ephraim;
Ephraim the Syrian; Deacon of Edessa; Harp of the Holy Spirit
Profile
Deacon. Founded a theological school.
Writer.
Preacher. Fought
Gnosticism and
Arianism by his writings, including poems and hymns. Proclaimed
Doctor of the Church in
1920.
Born
c.306
at Nisibis, Mesopotamia
Died
373
Patronage
spiritual directors,
spiritual leaders
Prayers
Prayer by...,
...for Strength in Weakness,
...in Honor of Christ's Passion
Images
Gallery of images of Saint Ephrem
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
|
