Saint of the Day: June 09, 2024
“I was born in the way of truth: though my childhood was unaware of the greatness of the benefit, I knew it when trial came.”
St. Ephrem the Syrian, also known as Ephraim, left a lasting legacy through his hundreds of hymns and poems on the faith that inspired the Church. Although little is known about his personal life, his profound works provide insight into his spiritual journey and contributions.
Early Life and Conversion
Ephrem was likely born into a Christian family in the early fourth century in Mesopotamia, possibly in Nisibis. Despite his Christian upbringing, he was not baptized until adulthood, a common practice at the time. This delay in baptism may have been influenced by a significant trial or “furnace” experience that deepened his faith.
Service and Challenges
Ephrem served under four bishops of Nisibis: Jacob, Babu, Vologeses, and Abraham. He describes these bishops as “Lights” set by God during the dark times of siege by Shapur II, the King of Persia. Nisibis was besieged three times, but the third siege in 350 saw Ephrem and the city’s defenders turn the tide against the invaders, despite immense suffering.
Hymns and Counteracting Heresies
Ephrem began composing hymns to counteract the heretical teachings prevalent at the time. Recognizing the power of music to communicate theological truths, he crafted hymns that inspired and educated the faithful. His hymns addressed various heresies, such as the denial of the Resurrection by the Syrian heretic Bardesan:
“How he blasphemes justice, And grace her fellow-worker. For if the body was not raised, This is a great insult against grace, To say grace created the body for decay; And this is slander against justice, to say justice sends the body to destruction.”
Exile and Later Life
In 363, after Shapur defeated the Roman emperor Jovian and demanded Nisibis, Ephrem was forced to flee. He settled on Mount Edessa as a solitary ascetic, living a life of prayer and penance. Despite the peace he sought, heresy and danger followed him. The Arian Emperor Valens threatened the Christians of Edessa, but Ephrem’s hymns fortified their faith and courage:
“The doors of her homes Edessa Left open when she went forth With the pastor to the grave, to die, And not depart from her faith. Let the city and fort and building And houses be yielded to the king; Our goods and our gold let us leave; So we part not from our faith!”
Acts of Charity
During a famine in Edessa in 372, Ephrem confronted citizens hoarding food and volunteered to distribute it fairly. His respected status ensured he was trusted, and he diligently worked to feed the needy until the famine ended with an abundant harvest the following year.
Legacy and Death
Ephrem died shortly after the famine, likely on June 9, 373. His hymns and homilies continued to inspire the Church, fulfilling a vision he had as a child:
“There grew a vine-shoot on my tongue: and increased and reached unto heaven, And it yielded fruit without measure: leaves likewise without number. It spread, it stretched wide, it bore fruit: all creation drew near, And the more they were that gathered: the more its clusters abounded. These clusters were the Homilies; and these leaves the Hymns. God was the giver of them: glory to Him for His grace! For He gave to me of His good pleasure: from the storehouse of His treasures.”
Reflection
St. Ephrem’s life and works remind us of the power of faith and the importance of using our gifts to counter falsehoods and support the Church. His hymns not only countered heresy but also fortified the faithful, demonstrating the enduring impact of music and poetry in spreading and preserving the faith.
Prayer
St. Ephrem, through your hymns and homilies, you inspired countless believers and defended the truth of the faith. Help us to use our talents to glorify God and serve His Church. May we find strength in your example and remain steadfast in our faith amidst trials. Amen.