By Sarah Levesque
St. Ephraem (also known as Ephrem or Ephraim or Ephraem the Syrian) was born around 306 A.D. in Nisibis, Mesopotamia (modern Turkey). He converted to Christianity as a young man thanks to the teaching of St. James, Bishop of Nisibis. When Rome signed Nisibis over to the Persians in a treaty, Ephraem was among those who left, eventually settling near Edessa. He may have visited Egypt and debated against Arians. He is known as “The Deacon of Edessa” as he refused to accept any ordination higher than that of deacon, even feigning madness to avoid being proclaimed bishop. Ephraem lived as a hermit for the last ten years of his life, composing an extensive library of sermons, hymns, treatises and a history. In his writings, he often opposed heresies such as Arianism, while upholding teachings of the Trinity, the actual presence in the Eucharist, and Mary’s sinlessness. During this time he also worked on controlling his temper, which was volatile, through asceticism.
St. Ephraim died in June of 373. He is honored by the churches of Rome, Greece, Russia, Coptics, Chaldeans, and Armenians. He was declared a Doctor of the Catholic Church in 1920.
May we, like St. Ephraem, be willing to use our God-given talents for the glory of God and the edification of our fellow men, humbly working with the Holy Spirit to become more like Jesus and overcome our faults.
Sources:
LogoSophia Magazine 
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