On this day, January 28 according to the Julian Calendar (February 10 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates the Venerable Ephrem the Syrian, teacher of repentance.
Venerable Ephrem the Syrian was born in the early 4th century in the city of Nisibis. His parents, poor farmers, raised him in piety. Yet Ephrem, fiery by nature, often quarreled and acted rashly, even doubting divine providence. The Lord Himself corrected him: once falsely accused of stealing sheep, he was thrown into prison, where he heard a voice calling him to repentance and reform. After his release, Ephrem withdrew from the world and settled in the mountains of Nisibis. There his spiritual father became the famous ascetic Jacob, Bishop of Nisibis (commemorated January 13). Under the bishop’s grace-filled guidance, Ephrem acquired many Christian virtues and advanced greatly in spiritual life.
When Nisibis was surrendered to the Persians after Bishop Jacob’s death, Ephrem moved to Edessa and settled in a cave near the city. There he labored in silence and prayer, composing numerous hymns, homilies, and commentaries on Holy Scripture that the Church continues to use to this day. His writings on repentance and the Last Judgment earned him the title “teacher of repentance.” Ephrem also composed moving prayers, including the famous Prayer of Ephrem the Syrian recited throughout Great Lent.
In the last year of his life, during a famine, he organized aid for the suffering poor. He reposed around 373–379 AD.
May the intercessions of Venerable Ephrem the Syrian be with us all.