St. Ephrem

Patron Saint of Spiritual Directors and Spiritual Healers

St. Ephrem was born in 306 in Edessa, the eastern reaches of Christianity at the time. Ephrem is remembered for his extensive theological poetry and writing. His writings were in his native Aramaic, which later became Syriac. His works have been foundational in Eastern Christianity, and many of his hymns still exist today. Ephrem’s hymns discussed the truths of the faith and increased the role of music in public worship. He was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1920 by Pope Benedict XV. “Prayer draws into the soul the Holy Spirit, and raises man to Heaven.” -St. Ephrem