Background
St. Ephraem was born in Nisibin, Mesopotamia, probably of pagan parents. Baptized at the age of 18 (or 28), Ephraem assisted St. James, bishop of Nisibin.
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St. Ephraem Syrian
Edit Profiledoctor of the christian church
Career
St. Ephraem was ordained deacon, but probably never became a priest. His preaching during the three sieges of Nisibin by the Persians inspired its defenders. Upon the city's surrender in 363, he fled to Edessa, finishing his life in preaching and penance. His famous hymns, esteemed in the East for their mystical and poetical beauty, and his exegetical and doctrinal works are used in the Syrian liturgy. His feast is June 9.
