Each of us is faced with trials and setbacks. Though we do not control the hand we are dealt, we can determine how we play our cards. St. Ephram the Syrian, uneducated and living on the wrong side of the current events of his day, found a voice that inspired the people of his time and those of the millenniums that followed. He is an example of our ability to rise above our circumstance with our thoughts and words.
St. Ephram was subjected to the same type of mass relocation that many Christians in the Middle East are facing today. In the year 363, his lifetime home of Nisibis fell to the Persians forcing Ephram to Edessa (in present day Iraq) where he lived in a cave in monastic seclusion and experienced the most fruitful and productive years of his life.
St. Ephram became known as “the Harp of the Holy Ghost” and composed a prolific number of poems and religious hymns as a pioneer in the use of these forms for theological expression. He applied his verse to music in his efforts to combat some of the heresies of the day and address mysteries like the Immaculate Conception of Mary and the Incarnation. His descriptions of death, the Last Judgement, heaven, and hell later influenced Dante and his work. Some of his prayers and hymns are recited and sung regularly to this day.
Even Ephram’s new life in Edessa was filled with challenges. At one point, Valens, an Arian Emperor, camped outside the town and threatened to kill all Christians who did not submit. The Edessans courageously defended their home, inspired greatly by St. Ephram’s hymns.
Although he was born to a Christian family, Ephram evolved from a childhood of worldly pursuits in a manner similar to St. Augustine. He stated, “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.” Although there is vagueness to the record of his younger days, some believe the development of his faith was aided by a brief imprisonment after being falsely accused of the theft of sheep. In response to this injustice, he began a life devoted to God. He served as a Deacon in Nisibis before he and his fellow Christians were forced to depart. In his most famous prayer, Ephram seeks the grace to rise above earthly ways.
The Lenten Prayer of St. Ephram
O Lord and Master of my life, take me from the spirit of sloth, despair, lust of power and idle talk.
But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience, and love to Thy servant.
Yea O Lord and King, grant me to see my own transgressions, and not to judge my brother, for blessed art Thou, unto ages of ages. Amen
An extended version of this prayer can be found at https://www.ewtn.com/Devotionals/prayers/Ephrem.htm
A rendition of his Hymn to the Light can be found at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTcsS-CBEa8
A more detailed discussion of Ephram can be found at:
