“On January 28, Orthodox Christians honor the memory of Saint Ephraim the Syrian, one of the most influential spiritual teachers of early Christianity. It is his prayer that is read in churches and at home during Great Lent. This day is associated with silence, reflection and a sincere look inside yourself. January 28 in the church calendar is the Memorial Day of Reverend Ephraim the Syrian. His name is good”, — write on: ua.news
On January 28, Orthodox Christians honor the memory of Saint Ephraim the Syrian, one of the most influential spiritual teachers of early Christianity. It is his prayer that is read in churches and at home during Great Lent. This day is associated with silence, reflection and a sincere look inside yourself.
January 28 in the church calendar is the Memorial Day of Reverend Ephraim the Syrian. His name is well known even to those who rarely open theological books, because the words of this saint have been heard in churches and homes for many centuries during the most important period of the church year — Great Lent.
Ephrem the Syrian was born at the beginning of the 4th century in Mesopotamia. His youth was not an example of holiness: according to legend, he had a hot temper and even went to prison because of a false accusation. It was there, in complete solitude, that he experienced a deep spiritual upheaval, heard a call to change his life, and after his release chose the path of serving God.
He became an ascetic, hermit, teacher and poet. Ephraim did not aspire to high positions in the church and remained a deacon until the end of his life, but his word had great power. His sermons, hymns and interpretations of the Holy Scriptures quickly spread among Christians, and later they began to be read in temples along with biblical texts.
For the depth of his prayers, Ephraim was called “the teacher of repentance” and “the harp of the Holy Spirit.” He knew how to talk about complex things simply, touching on the most painful topics of the human soul – pride, condemnation, laziness, fear and hope. His texts do not frighten, but gently lead a person to realize his own mistakes.
In folk tradition, the day of Ephraim the Syrian was considered a time of silence and internal order. On this day, they tried not to quarrel, not to condemn others, not to engage in empty conversations. People prayed more, cleaned the house, put things in order not only at home, but also in their thoughts. January 28 is not associated with loud ceremonies or prohibitions. It is a day that is more about the inner state of a person than about outward actions. The Church reminds: real changes do not begin with loud words, but with an honest look at oneself and a willingness to correct one’s own mistakes.
Read us on Telegram and Sends
