Saint Ephrem the Syrian (306–373)

Returned this to the library today. In addition to the hymns, which I could see were beautifully crafted even in translation, this book introduced me to the Syriac church as a significant influence in early Christianity, which I'd previously been unaware of.

I blogged about St. Ephraim (and this book) a bit here.

A great and forgotten early spiritual writer. His thoughts and words express much of the early believers. His relevance still rings true to those who will take the time to listen.

Some of the hymns of St. Ephrem are among the most beautiful I have ever read, so far as I can judge from translation.

"The ancient author of these poems (teaching songs) is St. Ephrem the Syrian (ca. 307-373), a native of the city of Nisibis in Mesopotamia, who became the Christian bishop of Edessa (Urfa in modern Turkey). The original language is classical Syriac. This volume presents English translations of four complete cycles of St. Ephrem's teaching songs: On the Holy Fast, On the Unleavened Bread, On the Crucifixion, and On the Resurrection. These liturgically oriented songs provide information about show more the celebration of Lent and Easter (Pascha) in the Syriac-speaking churches of northern Mesopotamia in the fourth century. Also they represent some of the oldest surviving poetry composed for these liturgical seasons, expressing ancient Christian theology in symbolic language that is rich in biblical allusions"-- Provided by publisher. show less