MEMORIAL – JUNE 9
St. Ephrem was born at the beginning of the 4th century in Syria. After his Baptism, he was granted permission to become a hermit under the direction of an elder. He lived an austere life and supported himself through making sails for ships.
When his director died, Ephrem left solitude and relocated to modern day Turkey. Ephrem was ordained a deacon and became known for his sermons on repentance. Ephrem also became known for his writing. He wrote commentaries on the whole Bible, but was most known for his lyrical hymns and poetry. He received spiritual advice from St. Basil and spent the end of his life serving the sick and poor. Ephrem died due to illness and was eventually named a doctor of the Church.
