Saturday, July 9, 2011

Ephrem the Syrian, Deacon, Confessor

Today we commemorate Ephrem. He is known as "the light and glory of the Syriac Church." In his writings he defended the Christian faith against heresies. His preaching and hymns won the hearts of the people. He trembled and made his hearers tremble at God's judgments; but found peace in Christ. Speaking of his own death he said, "I am setting out on a journey hard and dangerous. Thee, O Son of God, I have taken for my Viaticum. When I am hungry, I will feed on Thee. The infernal fire will not venture near me, for it cannot bear the fragrance of Thy Body and Thy Blood."

No comments: