Ephrem

(Ephraem) of Edessa (d. June 373). Early church theologian. He was born at or near Nisibis, in modern-day Turkey. Ephrem lived at Nisibis until 363, when he moved to Edessa. He lived there as an anchorite or hermit. He is remembered for his exegetical, theological, and especially poetic writings. Ephrem has been called the “Lyre of the Holy Ghost” and the “Prophet of the Syrians.” He may have attended the Council of Nicaea in 325. His hymn, “From God Christ's deity came forth,” is Hymn 443 in The Hymnal 1982. Ephrem is commemorated in the Episcopal calendar of the church year on June 10.