A portrait of St. Ephrem the Syrian
St. Ephrem the Syrian
c. 306 – 373
Feast
June 9 · IV c.
Patron of
Spiritual directors · Syriac Christians · Hymn writers
Order
Doctor of the Church / Deacon
Syriac deacon, hymnographer, and theologian (c. 306-373); served the church of Nisibis until the city was ceded to Persia in 363, then withdrew to Edessa. Author of hundreds of hymns and biblical commentaries that shaped Syriac liturgy. Declared a Doctor of the Church by Benedict XV in 1920. Feast June 9.
Life & Times
Born: c. 306 · Died: 373 · From: Nisibis / Edessa / Syria.
Patronage
St. Ephrem the Syrian is invoked as the patron of spiritual directors, syriac christians, hymn writers. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
“Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, despondency, lust of power, and idle talk; but give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience, and love to thy servant.”— Prayer of St. Ephrem, used during Lent in the Eastern Christian tradition
Shop St. Ephrem the Syrian Products
Devotional items honoring St. Ephrem the Syrian, from our Sancta Lumina collection and beyond.
25-Pack - Prayer Of St Ephrem Holy Card
$29.00
Pewter St. Ephrem Medal | Medium | Engravable
$20.00
St. Ephrem the Syrian Holy Cards
$0.99
St. Ephrem the Syrian - Devotional Canvas
$39.00
Sterling Silver 6mm St. Ephrem Rosary | Engravable
$356.00
Sterling Silver 6mm St. Ephrem Rosary | Engravable
$365.00
Sterling Silver 6mm St. Ephrem Rosary | Engravable
$349.00
Silver-Plated 6mm St. Ephrem Rosary | Engravable
$141.00
About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Ephrem the Syrian, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.