Our Righteous Father '''Ephrem the Syrian''' was a prolific [[Syriac language]] hymn writer and theologian of the [[4th century]]. He is venerated by Christians throughout the world, but especially among [[Syriac Christianity|Syriac Christians]], as a [[saint]]. His [[feast day]] in the [[Orthodox Church]] is [[January 28]].[[Image:Ephrem the Syrian.jpg|right|frame|St. Ephrem the Syrian]]

 Ephrem is also variously known as Ephraim (Hebrew and Greek), Ephraem (Latin), Aphrem and Afrem (both Syriac). However, "Ephrem " is the generally preferred spelling.

Ephrem was born around the year St. [[306]], in the city James of [[Nisibis|James]] (Mar Jacob), the modern first [[Turkey|Turkishbishop]] town of NusaybinNisibis, on the border with [[Syria]]). Internal evidence from was appointed in 308, and Ephrem's hymnody suggests that both grew up under his parents were part leadership of the growing Christian community in the city, although later hagiographers wrote that his father was . St. James is recorded as a pagan priest. Numerous languages were spoken in signatory at the Nisibis of Ephrem's day, mostly dialects of [[Aramaic language|AramaicFirst Ecumenical Council]]in 325. The Christian community used the Ephrem was [[Syriac languagebaptism|Syriac dialectbaptized]]as a youth, and James appointed him as a teacher (Syriac ''malpânâ'', a title that still carries great respect for Syriac Christians). Various pagan religions, He was ordained as a [[Judaismdeacon]] either at this time or later. He began to compose hymns and early Christian sects vied with one another for write biblical commentaries as part of his educational office. In his hymns, he sometimes refers to himself as a "herdsman" (''`allânâ''), to his bishop as the hearts "shepherd" (''râ`yâ'') and minds his community as a "fold" (''dayrâ''). Ephrem is popularly credited as the founder of the populace. It School of Nisibis, which in later centuries was a time the centre of learning of great religious and political tension. The Roman Emperor, the [[DiocletianAssyrian Church of the East]] had signed a treaty with his [[Persia]]n counterpart(i.e., the [[Narseh of PersiaNestorianism|NersesNestorians]] in [[298]] that transferred Nisibis into Roman hands. The savage persecution and martyrdom of Christians under Diocletian were an important part of Nisibene church heritage as Ephrem grew up.

In 337, emperor [[Mar JacobConstantine the Great|Constantine I]], who had established Christianity as the first [[bishop]] state religion of the Roman Empire, died. Seizing on this opportunity, Shapur II of Persia began a series of attacks into Roman North Mesopotamia. Nisibis was appointed besieged in [[308]]338, 346 and 350. During the first siege, Ephrem grew up under his leadership of the community. Jacob of Nisibis is recorded credits Bishop James as a signatory at defending the [[First Council of Nicea]] in [[325]]city with his prayers. Ephrem was baptized as a youth, and Jacob appointed him as a teacher (Syriac ''malpânâ''s beloved bishop died soon after the event, a title that still carries great respect for Syriac Christians). He was ordained as a [[deacon]] either at this time or later. He began to compose hymns and write biblical commentaries as part Babu led the church through the turbulent times of his educational officeborder skirmishes. In his hymnsthe third siege, he sometimes refers to himself as a 'herdsman' (''`allânâ'')of 350, Shapur rerouted the River Mygdonius to his bishop as undermine the 'shepherd' (''râ`yâ'') and his community as a 'fold' (''dayrâ'')walls of Nisibis. Ephrem is popularly credited as The Nisibenes quickly repaired the founder of walls while the [[School of Nisibis]], which Persian elephant cavalry became bogged down in later centuries was the centre of learning wet ground. Ephrem celebrated the miraculous salvation of the [[Assyrian Church of city in a hymn as being like Noah's Ark floating to safety on the East]]flood.

In [[337]], emperor [[Constantine I]], who had established Christianity as One important physical link to Ephrem's lifetime is the state religion baptistery of Nisibis. The inscription tells that it was constructed under Bishop Vologeses in 359. That was the Roman Empire, died. Seizing on this opportunity, [[year that Shapur II of Persia]] began a series of attacks into Roman North [[Mesopotamia]]to harry the region once again. The cities around Nisibis were destroyed one by one, and their citizens killed or deported. The Roman Empire was besieged preoccupied in [[338]]the west, and [[346Constantius]] and [[350Julian the Apostate]]struggled for overall control. During the first siegeEventually, with Constantius dead, Ephrem credits Bishop Jacob as defending the city Julian began his march into Mesopotamia. He brought with him his prayersincreasingly stringent persecutions on Christians. Ephrem's beloved bishop died soon after Julian began a foolhardy march against the eventPersian capital Ctesiphon, where, overstretched and Babu led the church through outnumbered, he began an immediate retreat back along the turbulent times of border skirmishessame road. In the third siegeJulian was killed defending his retreat, of 350, Shapur rerouted and the River Mygdonius to undermine army elected Jovian as the walls of Nisibisnew emperor. The Nisibenes quickly repaired the walls while the Persian elephant cavalry became bogged down in the wet groundUnlike his predecessor, Jovian was a Nicene Christian. Ephrem celebrated He was forced by circumstances to ask for terms from Shapur, and conceded Nisibis to Persia, with the miraculous salvation of rule that the city in a hymn as being like [[Noah's Ark]] floating Christian community would leave. Bishop Abraham, the successor to safety on the floodVologeses, led his people into exile.

One important physical link to Ephrem's lifetime is the [[baptistery]] found himself among a large group of Nisibis. The inscription tells refugees that it was constructed under Bishop Vologeses fled west, first to Amida (Diyarbakir), and eventually settling in Edessa (modern Sanli Urfa) in [[359]]363. That was the year that Shapur began Ephrem, in his late fifties, applied himself to ministry in his new church, and seems to harry have continued his work as a teacher (perhaps in the region once againSchool of Edessa). The cities around Nisibis were destroyed one by oneEdessa had always been at the heart of the Syriac-speaking world, and their citizens killed or deportedthe city was full of rival philosophies and religions. The Roman Empire was preoccupied Ephrem comments that Orthodox Nicene Christians were simply called "Palutians" in the westEdessa, and after a former bishop. [[ConstantiusArianism|Arians]] and , [[JulianMarcionism|Marcionites]], struggled for overall control. Eventually, with Constantius dead[[Manichaeism|Manichees]], Julian the Apostate began his march into Mesopotamia. He brought with him his increasingly stringent persecutions on Christians. Julian began a foolhardy march against the Persian capital [[CtesiphonBardaisan]], where, overstretched and outnumbered, he began an immediate retreat back along the same road. Julian was killed defending his retreat, ites and the army elected various [[JovianGnosticism|Gnostic sects]] proclaimed themselves as the new emperortrue Church. Unlike his predecessorIn this confusion, Jovian was Ephrem wrote a Nicene Christiangreat number of hymns defending Orthodoxy. He was forced by circumstances to ask for terms from ShapurA later Syriac writer, and conceded Nisibis to Persia[[Jacob of Serugh]], with the rule wrote that the city's Christian community would leave. Bishop Abraham, the successor Ephrem rehearsed all female choirs to Vologeses, led sing his people into exilehymns set to Syriac folk tunes in the forum of Edessa.

Ephrem found himself among a large group of refugees that fled west, first to Amida ([[Diyarbakir]]), and eventually settling in [[Edessa, Mesopotamia|Edessa]] (modern [[Sanli Urfa]]) in [[363]]. Ephrem, in his late fifties, applied himself to ministry in his new church, and seems to have continued his work as a teacher (perhaps in the [[School of Edessa]]). Edessa had always been at the heart of the Syriac-speaking world, and the city was full of rival philosophies and religions. Ephrem comments that 'orthodox' Nicene Christians were simply called 'Palutians' in Edessa, after a former bishop. [[Arianism|Arians]], [[Marcion of Sinope|Marcionites]], [[Manichaeism|Manichees]], [[Bardaisan]]ites and various [[Gnosticism|Gnostic sects]] proclaimed themselves as the true church. In this confusion, Ephrem wrote a great number of hymns defending orthodoxy. A later Syriac writer, [[Jacob of Serugh]], wrote that Ephrem rehearsed all female choirs to sing his hymns set to Syriac folk tunes in the forum of Edessa. After a ten-year residency in Edessa, in his sixties, Ephrem succumbed reposed in peace, according to some in the plague as he ministered year 373, according to its victims. The most reliable date for his death is [[9 June]] [[373]]others, 379.

Over four hundred [[hymn]]s composed The most important of his works are his lyric hymns (''madrâšê''). These hymns are full of rich imagery drawn for biblical sources, folk tradition, and other religions and philosophies. The madrâšê are written in stanzas of syllabic verse, and employ over fifty different metrical schemes. Each madrâšê has its ''qâlâ'', a traditional tune identified by Ephrem still existits opening line. Granted that some have been All of these qâlê are now lost to us, Ephrem's productivity is not in doubt. The church historian It seems that [[SozomenBardaisan]] credits Ephrem with having written over three million lines. Ephrem combines in his writing a threefold heritage: he draws on the models and methods of early [[Rabbinic JudaismMani]]composed madrâšê, he engages wonderfully with Greek science and philosophyEphrem felt that the medium was a suitable tool to use against their claims. The madrâšê are gathered into various hymn cycles. Each group has a title — ''Carmina Nisibena'', ''On Faith'', ''On Paradise'', ''On Virginity'', and he delights in ''Against Heresies''—but some of these titles do not do justice to the entirety of the collection (for instance, only the Mesopotamian/Persian tradition first half of mystery symbolismthe ''Carmina Nisibena'' is about Nisibis). Each madrâšâ usually had a refrain (''`unîtâ''), which was repeated after each stanza. Later writers have suggested that the madrâšê were sung by all women choirs with an accompanying lyre.

The most important of his works are his lyric hymns Ephrem also wrote verse [[homily|homilies]] (''madrmâ&#353ecirc;mrê''). These hymns sermons in poetry are full of rich imagery drawn for biblical sources, folk tradition, and other religions and philosophies. The far fewer in number than the madrâšê are written in stanzas of [[syllabic verse]], and employ over fifty different metrical schemes. Each madrâšThe mê has its ''qâlâ'', a traditional tune identified by its opening line. All of these qâlmrê are now lost. It seems that [[Bardaisan]written in a heptosyllabic couple] and [[Mani s (prophet)|Mani]] composed madrâšê, and Ephrem felt that the medium was a suitable tool to use against their claims. The madrâšê are gathered into various hymn cycles. Each group has a title — ''Carmina Nisibena'', ''On Faith'', ''On Paradise'', ''On Virginity'', ''Against Heresies'' — but some pairs of these titles do not do justice to the entirety lines of the collection (for instance, only the first half of the Carmina Nisibena is about Nisibis). Each madrâšâ usually had a refrain (''`unîtâ''seven syllables each), which was repeated after each stanza. Later writers have suggested that the madrâšê were sung by all women choirs with an accompanying lyre.

The third category of Ephrem also wrote verse homilies (''mêmrê'')s writings is his prose work. These sermons in poetry are far fewer in number than the madrâšê. The mêmrê are written in a heptosyllabic He wrote biblical commentaries on [[coupletTatian]]'s [[Diatessaron]] (pairs the single gospel harmony of lines the early Syriac church), on [[Genesis]] and [[Exodus]], and on the [[Acts of seven syllables each)the Apostles]] and [[Pauline Epistles]]. He also wrote refutations against [[Bardaisan]], [[Mani]], [[Marcion]] and others.

The third category of Ephrem's writings is his prose work. He wrote biblical commentaries on exclusively in the [[Diatessaron]] (the single gospel harmony yriac language, but translations of the early Syriac church)his writings exist in Armenian, on [[Genesis]] and [[Exodus]]Coptic, Greek and on other languages. Some of his works are extant only in translation (particularly in Armenian). Syriac churches still use many of Ephrem's hymns as part of the [[Acts annual cycle of the Apostles]] and [[Pauline Epistles]]worship. He also wrote refutations against [[Bardaisan]], [[Mani]]However, [[Marcion most of Sinope|Marcion]] these liturgical hymns are edited and othersconflated versions of the originals.

Ephrem wrote exclusively in the [[Syriac language]]The most complete, but translations critical text of his writings exist in [[Armenian language|Armenian]]authentic Ephrem was compiled between 1955 and 1979 by Dom Edmund Beck, [[Coptic language|Coptic]], [[Greek language|Greek]] and other languages. Some of his works are only extant in translation (particularly in Armenian). Syriac churches still use many of Ephrem's hymns OSB as part of the annual cycle of worship. However, most of these liturgical hymns are edited and conflated versions of the originals''Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium''.

The most complete, critical text =="Greek Ephrem"==Ephrem's artful meditations on the symbols of Christian faith and his stand against heresy made him a popular source of inspiration throughout the church. This occurred to the extent that there is a huge corpus of authentic Ephrem was compiled between [[1955pseudepigraphy]] and legendary [[1979hagiography]] . Some of these compositions are in verse, often a version of Ephrem's heptosyllabic couplets. Most of these works are considerably later compositions in Greek. Students of Ephrem often refer to this corpus as having a single, imaginary author called Greek Ephrem or Ephraem Graecus (as opposed to the real Ephrem the Syrian). This is not to say that all texts ascribed to Ephrem in Greek are false, but many are. Although Greek compositions are the main source of pseudepigraphal material, there are also works in Latin, Slavonic and Arabic. There has been very little critical examination of these works, and many are still treasured by Dom Edmund Beck OSB churches as part of the ''Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium''authentic.

== The most well known of these writings is the 'Greek 'Prayer of Saint Ephrem' ==' that is a part of most days of fasting in Eastern Christianity:

Ephrem's artful meditations on the symbols of Christian faith and his stand against heresy made him a popular source of inspiration throughout the church. This occurred to the extent that there is a huge corpus of Ephrem [[pseudepigraphy]] :O Lord and legendary [[hagiography]]. Some Master of these compositions are in versemy life, often a version of Ephrem's heptosyllabic couplets. Most of these works are considerably later compositions in Greek. Students of Ephrem often refer to this corpus as having a single, imaginary author called Greek Ephrem or Ephraem Graecus (as opposed to take from me the real Ephrem the Syrian). This is not to say that all texts ascribed to Ephrem in Greek are false, but many are. Although Greek compositions are the main source spirit of pseudepigraphal materialsloth, there are also works in [[Latin]]meddling, [[Slavonic language|Slavonic]] and [[Arabic language|Arabic]]. There has been very little critical examination lust of these workspower, and many are still treasured by churches as authenticidle talk.

The most well known of these writings is the ''Prayer of Saint Ephrem'' that is a part of most days of fasting in [[eastern Christianity]]:<center>O Lord and Master of my life,<br>But give me not a spirit of sloth,<br>vain curiosity, lust for power and idle talk,<br>but give to me, your servant,<br>a rather the spirit of sobernesschastity, humility, patience and love.<br>O Lord and King,<br>grant me to see my own faults<br>and not to condemn my brother:<br>for you are blessed<br>for ever and ever.<br>Amen.<br>O God, cleanse me, a sinnerthy servant.</center>

== Veneration as a saint =={| border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" align="right" width="300" style="margin-left:1.0em;"! colspan="2" bgcolor="gold" style="font-size:120%"|'''''Saint Ephrem the Syrian'''''|-|align="center" colspan="2" |[[Image:Ephrem.jpg|thumb|none|[[Icon]] of Ephrem the Syrian]]|-|align="center" colspan="2" bgcolor="gold"|'''[[Doctor of the Church]] and Venerable Monk'''|-|'''Born'''|''c.'' [[306]]Yea, [[Nisibis]]|-|'''Died'''|[[9 June]] [[373]], [[Edessa]]|-|'''Venerated in'''|All [[Christianity]], especially [[Syraic Christianity]]|-|'''Major [[shrine]]'''|The [[Armenian]] monastery of Der Sarkis ([[Saint Sergius]])|-|'''[[Calendar of saints|Feast]]'''|7th Saturday before Easter ([[Syriac Orthodox Church|Syriac Orthodox]])<br>[[1 February]] (''Roman Martyrology'')<br>[[10 February]] ([[Eastern Orthodoxy]])<br>[[8 June]] ([[Scottish Episcopal Church]])<br>[[9 June]] ([[Church of England]]<br>[[9 June]] ([[Roman Catholic Church]])<br>[[10 June]] ([[Church in Wales]])<br>[[10 June]] ([[Episcopal Church in the United States of America|Episcopal Church in the USA]])<br>[[18 June]] ([[Maronite]] Church)<br>[[18 June]] (former Catholic date)|-|'''Attributes'''|Vine O Lord and scrollKing, deacon's habit grant me to see my own sins and thurible, with [[Basil of Caesarea|St Basil]], composing with a harp|-|'''[[Patron saint|Patronage]]'''|Spiritual directors and spiritual leaders|-|colspan="2"|:''O Lord, may the works of your herdsman''::''not be squandered.'':''I will not then have troubled your sheep,''::''but as far as I was able,'':''I will have kept the wolves away from them,''::''and I will have built, as far as I was capableto judge my brother,'':''Enclosures of hymns''::''for the lambs thou art blessed unto ages of your flockages.'':''I will have made a disciple''::''of the simple and unlearned,'':''And I will have given them a strong hold''::''on the shepherd's staff,'':''the healers' medicine,''::''and the combatants' armour''<small>Ephrem the Syrian. ''Hymns against Heresy'', LVI.</small>|}Soon after Ephrem's death, legendary accounts of his life began to circulate. One of the earlier 'modifications' is the statement that Ephrem's father was a [[pagan]] priest of Abnil or Abizal. However, internal evidence from his authentic writings suggest that he was raised by Christian parents. This legend may be anti-pagan polemic, or simply a borrowed biography Amen.

The second legend attached to Ephrem is that he was a [[monk]]. In Ephrem's day, monasticism was in its infancy in the [[Egypt]]. He seems to have been a part of a close-knit:O God, urban community of Christians that had 'covenanted' themselves be gracious to service and refrained from sexual activity. Some of the Syriac terms that Ephrem used to describe his community were later used to describe monastic communities, but the assertion that he was monk is anachronistic. Later hagiographers often painted a picture of Ephrem as an extreme ascetic. Ephrem is venerated as an example of monastic discipline in [[Eastern Christianity]]. In the [[Eastern Orthodox]] scheme of hagiographyme, Ephrem is counted as a ''Venerable Monk''sinner.

== Veneration as a saint ==[[Image:Ephrem is popularly believed to have taken legendary journeysthe Syrian repose. In one jpg|left|frame|The repose of these he visits [[Basil of CaesareaSt. Ephrem]]Though St. This links the Syrian Ephrem with the was probably not formally a [[Cappadocian Fathersmonasticism|monk]], he was known to have practiced a severe ascetical life, ever increasing in holiness. In Ephrem's day, monasticism was in its infancy in the Egypt. He seems to have been a part of a close-knit, urban community of Christians that had "covenanted" themselves to service and is an important theological bridge between the spiritual view refrained from sexual activity. Some of the twoSyriac terms that Ephrem used to describe his community were later used to describe monastic communities, who held much in commonbut the assertion that he was monk is probably anachronistic.

Ephrem is also supposed popularly believed to have visited Anba Bishoi (Pisoes) in the monasteries taken certain legendary journeys. In one of these he visits St. [[Basil of the Wadi Natun, EgyptGreat]]. As This links the Syrian Ephrem with the legendary visit with Basil[[Cappadocian Fathers]], this visit and is a an important theological bridge between the origins spiritual view of monasticism and its spread throughout the churchtwo, who held much in common.

On [[5 October]] [[1920]], Pope [[Benedict XV]] proclaimed that Ephrem is a [[Doctor also supposed to have visited Abba Bishoi (Pisoes) in the monasteries of the Church]]Wadi Natun, Egypt. This proclamation was made before critical editions As with the legendary visit with Basil, this visit is a theological bridge between the origins of Ephrem's authentic writings were availablemonasticism and its spread throughout the church.

Today, Saint Ephrem presents an engaging model With the [[Holy Tradition|Tradition of Asian Christianitythe Church]], which might prove a valuable source of theological insight for Christian communities that wish to break out of the European cultural mould. Ephrem also shows that poetry is not only a valid vehicle for theology, but in many ways superior to philosophical discourse. He also encourages a way of reading the [[BibleHoly Scripture]] that is rooted in faith more than critical analysis. Ephrem displays a deep sense of the interconnectedness of all created things, which could develop his role in the church into that of a 'saint of ecology'. There are modern studies into Ephrem's view of women that leads some to see him as a champion of women in the church. Other studies have focused on the importance of 'healing' imagery in Ephrem. For the modern church, then, Ephrem is a "saint of non-western, poetic, ecological, feminist, healing theologyecology. == Appendices == === Quotations ==="

== Quotations ==* ''"The greatest poet of the patristic age and, perhaps, the only theologian-poet to rank beside Dante.'' " &mdash; Robert Murray.* "“The The hutzpah of our love is pleasing to you, O Lord, just as it pleased you that we should steal from your bounty.