Ephrem of Edessa (306-10
June 379) Was born in Nissibus during a
time of persecution. Ephrem was baptised
as a youth, and made teacher soon after.
He was ordained a deacon at a relatively young age. It is said he founded the school of Nissibus
which became the center of learning for the Assyrian Church
of the East.
Upon the death of Constantine, Nissibus was
attacked by the Persians, but not conquered.
One of Ephrem’s early hymns reflects this event. Eventually events lead to Nisibus being
conquered, but the Christians were allowed to leave. Ephrem found himself with refugees who ended
up in Edessa,
where he settled to serve the church.
Edessa was full of heresies, and Ephrem composed at
least 400 hymns set to folk melodies in Syriac to oppose these heresies. The hymns were sung by an all woman’s
choir. In addition to his hymns, he
wrote poetic sermons, and prose work based on the scriptures. IN addition he encouraged reading the
scriptures for faith, as opposed to critical analysis.
His works inspired
many and he was mourned after his death.
He inspires us with a non-european form of Christianity. He also inspires us to use good (secular) music
to promote Christian ideas.
Oh Lord, as you
gave your deacon, Ephrem the ability to compose hymns to build up the church in
faith and knowledge of you, raise up in
this and every generation those who teach the true faith by song and charitable
works, that we may every glorify your holy name. This we ask through Yeshuah haMoshiach, who
lives and reins with you and Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting. Amen. (white)
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