Ephrem of Syria

Ephrem of Syria (c.306–73). A native of Nisibis (Mesopotamia), he was baptized c.324 and joined the cathedral school there, of which he later became the head. After the Persians captured Nisibis in 363, Ephrem became a monk, living in a cave near Edessa. There he wrote exegetical works and hymns which were later incorporated into the Liturgy and translated into several languages. In 370 he visited Basil whose brother, Gregory of Nyssa, wrote in his praise. In 372 he organized charity to victims of famine and died soon afterwards in his cave. His voluminous works earned him the title of Doctor of the Church in 1920. Feast: 9 (formerly 18) June.

Bibliography
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• Works ed. J. S. Assemani (1732–46) and E. Beck (1953–9); Lives by E. Emereau (1919) and A. Vôôbus (1958)