What is the church holiday on February 10: St. Ephrem the Syrian Memorial Day

On Monday, February 10, the Orthodox Church remembers St. Ephrem the Syrian - ascetic, theologian and teacher of repentance. On the life of the saint and his most powerful prayer - in the material "Izvestia".

The Life of St. Ephrem the Syrian

St. Ephraim the Syrian was born in the early IV century in the city of Nizibia in Mesopotamia in a family of poor farmers. His parents brought up their son in piety, but from childhood the boy was characterized by a fiery temper. The young man often started quarrels and committed rash deeds, for which he received the Lord's reprimand. Ephrem the Syrian was unjustly accused of stealing sheep and imprisoned. The reverend heard in a dream a voice calling him to repentance. Ephrem the Syrian was acquitted and released.

After his release, the Monk Ephrem seriously thought about his life, repented and began a hermit's life. The young man became a disciple of the famous ascetic, preacher of Christianity - St. James, who taught him meekness, humility and submission. Ephraim the Syrian spent 14 years in obedience to his teacher.

Then the Monk Ephrem went to Egypt, where he met St. Basil the Great. The latter wished to ordain the Monk as a presbyter, but Ephrem the Syrian considered himself unworthy of the priesthood and at the insistence of the saint accepted only the dignity of deacon, in which he remained until his death. Subsequently St. Basil the Great invited the Monk Ephrem to the cathedra of bishop, but the saint presented himself as a fool to reject this honor, in humility considering himself unworthy of it.

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Returning to the monastery, Ephrem the Syrian devoted his life to the service of his neighbors. When the inhabitants of Edessa were suffering from hunger, the word of St. Ephrem encouraged the rich to help those in need. The saint then built an almshouse for the poor and sick. In the last years of his life, St. Ephrem the Syrian retired to a cave near Edessa and lived in seclusion.

In the monastery near Edessa the Monk engaged in serious ascetic labors. St. Ephrem taught repentance, faith and piety. Pagans, listening to his sermons, were converted to Christianity.

Much time was devoted by St. Ephrem to the study of the Holy Scriptures. He wrote many prayers and hymns, for example, to the Most Holy Trinity or to the Son of God.

From ancient times, the Church highly valued the works of St. Ephrem: his manuscripts were read in the churches. Today, according to the statutes of the Church, some of his teachings should be read during the days of Lent.

What to pray to St. Ephrem for

St. Ephrem the Syrian is called the father of repentance. His penitential prayer lists those sins that prevent us from repenting, and the virtues that help us in this. One prays to St. Ephraim when overcome by a spirit of idleness or despondency, covetousness or idle talk. After sincere prayer, the Monk Ephrem grants patience and wisdom.

The Prayer of St. Ephrem the Syrian:

"Lord and Master of my life, do not give me the spirit of idleness, despondency, covetousness and idleness. But give me the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love, Thy servant. O Lord, O King, grant me to see my trespasses and not to condemn my brother, blessed art thou for ever and ever. Amen."

Translation: "Lord and Master of my life! Do not give me a tendency to laziness, to vanity, to covetousness and vain talk. Send purity of soul, humility, patience and love to me, Your servant. O King and Lord, grant that I may see my own sins and not condemn my brother; for Thou art blessed forever and ever. Amen."

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The prayer of Ephrem the Syrian is considered the main prayer of Lent. It is recited by the priest every day, except Saturdays and Sundays. The priest faces the Royal Gate, says three petitions for forgiveness and after each one makes a bow. The earthly bow is followed by 12 more lumbar bows, each accompanied by the words "God, cleanse me (me) sinful". At the end of the bows he reads the prayer again and makes one more earthly bow, and after him it is repeated by all those praying in the temple.

Who celebrates the name day on the memory of St. Ephraim?

According to the church calendar, on February 10, the names of the owners of 10 names are celebrated. Men - Ephraim, Palladius, Vladimir, Bartholomew, Theodosius, Leontius, Ignat, Fedor, Isaac and women named Olga.

Earlier "Izvestia" told about what pray to St. Gregory the Theologian.