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[[Image:Saintephrem.jpg|right]]

[[Image:Saintephrem.jpg|right]]

'''Ephrem of Syria''' (b.306, died 373) was a Syrian that wrote hundreds of hymns and poems on the faith that inflamed and inspired the whole Church. His hymns, still used today, have found a place in liturgical traditions outside the East Syrian Church. Ephrem led an austere life, living in a small cave overlooking the city of Edessa, sustained only by a little barley bread and a few vegetables. <ref>[http://www.deacons.net/Deacons_before_us/ephrem.html St. Ephrem -- Deacon and Doctor] Deacons.net</ref> Ordained a deacon, he was described by his contemporaries as the 'Harp of the Spirit'. Had a great devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Ephrem was a poet, teacher, orator, a defender of the faith and the only Syrian [[Doctor of the Church]]. A title held by just thirty-three individuals in the 2000 year history of Christianity.

'''Ephrem of Syria''' (b.306, died 373) wrote hundreds of hymns and poems on the faith that inspired the whole Church. His hymns are still used today and have found a place in liturgical traditions outside the East Syrian Church. Ephrem led an austere life, living in a small cave overlooking the city of Edessa, sustained only by a little barley bread and a few vegetables. <ref>[http://www.deacons.net/Deacons_before_us/ephrem.html St. Ephrem -- Deacon and Doctor] Deacons.net</ref> Ordained a deacon, he was described by his contemporaries as the 'Harp of the Spirit'. Had a great devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Ephrem was a poet, teacher, orator, a defender of the faith and the only Syrian [[Doctor of the Church]]. A title held by just thirty-three individuals in the 2000 year history of [[Christianity]].

==Early Life==

==Early Life==

Born in Nisibis, Mesopotamia, then under Roman rule. Ephrem 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." Much is not known about his family. He may have been the son of a pagan priest. He was baptized at eighteen years old and became famous as a teacher in his native city. Ephrem was instructed in the Christian mysteries by St. James, the famous Bishop of Nisibis. Because of his great knowledge of the Church and doctrine, Ephrem was put in charge of a school of theology in Nisibis. He lived at a time when the Romans were battling Persians. Fleeing from his home, he settled in Edessa. Rome wrote a treaty giving up the Eastern provinces conquered at the end of the third century; among the cities, Nisibis.

Born in Nisibis, [[Mesopotamia]], then under Roman rule. Ephrem 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." Much is not known about his family. He may have been the son of a pagan priest. He was baptized at eighteen years old and became famous as a teacher in his native city. Ephrem was instructed in the Christian mysteries by St. James, the famous Bishop of Nisibis. Because of his great knowledge of the Church and doctrine, Ephrem was put in charge of a school of theology in Nisibis. He lived at a time when the Romans were battling Persians. Fleeing from his home, he settled in Edessa. Rome wrote a treaty giving up the Eastern provinces conquered at the end of the third century; among the cities, Nisibis.

==Heretics==

==Heretics==