Ephrem was born at the beginning of the fourth century in the city of Nasibeen, north-east Syria. He was educated in the rightful fear of God by Saint Jacob, archbishop of that city. He applied himself eagerly to study and to a thorough reading of the Sacred Scriptures. He mastered the Syriac language and its literature, and he gained a thorough understanding of theology. Bishop Jacob wanted to ordain him a priest, but he refused because of his great humility; he would be content with the diaconate all his life, since the priesthood is beyond him. But Diaconate consists of service. In 325, Ephrem accompanied his teacher to the Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, where he encountered the great theological discussions of the Church. After his return from Nicaea, he taught in the famous school of Nasibeen for 38 years, during which time he composed many books of poetry and prose.
When the Persians entered the city of Nasibeen, Ephrem left and went to Roha near the city of Aleppo, where he met some hermits who stayed in its surrounds. As he followed their example, his reputation spread, and many people came to follow him in turn, so that in this way, he became father to hundreds of monks and hermits. Saint Gregory of Nasees said about him: "from the day, on which Ephrem embraced a life of ascetism until his death, he did not eat anything except the bread of barley and a little bit of dried herbs and sometimes a few soft vegetables.” And Saint Basil the Great said: "Ephrem is a rare pearl of great value..”
He was known for his devotion to the Virgin Mary. He sang her praises, describing her virtues by sweet poetry, largely with themes about her virginity before, during, and after childbirth. He also wrote about Peter as head of the Church and of Christ’s disciples. Ephrem was also interested in the liturgical life of the Church and introduced into it poetic hymns, which are still to this day chanted in the Syriac Church. On the fifth of October 1920, Pope Benedict XV declared him a Doctor of the Church.
His various writings are counted among the chefs d’oeuvre of Syrian Christian literature. He excelled in explaining Sacred Scripture and the dogmas of faith. Because of his importance, he has been translated into many languages, especially Greek and Arabic.
When he felt his death approaching, he instructed his disciples to be humble, to seek evangelical perfection, to love their neighbour, and to be kind to the poor. He fell asleep in the Lord in 379 and was buried, as he had wished, with a simple funeral. They wrapped him in his worn-out clothes and covered him with his tunic. Saint Ephrem shone with virtue and great knowledge. He is justly counted among the great fathers of the Church and a Doctor of the Church.
Issam John Darwish BSO DD
Eparch