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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
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
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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
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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
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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
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