About St. Ephrem
St. Ephrem the Syrian (c. 306–373) was a deacon, theologian, poet, and Doctor of the Church. Born in Nisibis (modern-day Turkey), he devoted his life to defending the Catholic faith through preaching, teaching, and sacred hymns.
Known as the “Harp of the Holy Spirit,” St. Ephrem composed hundreds of hymns and biblical commentaries that beautifully explained the mysteries of the faith. His writings defended the Church against heresy while inspiring believers to deeper repentance and love of Christ.
The Prayer of St. Ephrem, traditionally prayed during Great Lent in the Eastern Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches, remains one of the most beloved prayers of Christian spirituality. It asks God to remove the vices of sloth, despair, pride, and idle talk, while granting the virtues of chastity, humility, patience, and love.
St. Ephrem’s life continues to inspire Christians throughout the world to pursue holiness through prayer, humility, and trust in God.
His feast day is celebrated on June 9.
Who was St. Ephrem the Syrian?
St. Ephrem the Syrian was a fourth-century deacon, theologian, poet, and Doctor of the Church. He is one of the greatest spiritual writers of the early Church and is especially known for his beautiful hymns and writings on the Christian faith.
What is the St. Ephrem the Syrian Novena for?
The novena is commonly prayed for:
- Humility
- Repentance and conversion
- Freedom from sinful habits
- Patience and purity
- Growth in holiness
- A deeper prayer life
- Personal prayer intentions
When is the feast day of St. Ephrem the Syrian?
His feast day is celebrated on June 9 in the Roman Catholic Church.
When should I pray the St. Ephrem the Syrian Novena?
You may pray this novena at any time of the year. Many Catholics begin it on May 31 in preparation for his feast day.
Why is St. Ephrem the Syrian important?
St. Ephrem defended the Christian faith through his theological writings and sacred hymns. His teachings continue to inspire Catholics to live lives of humility, repentance, and faithful devotion to Christ.
Is St. Ephrem the Syrian the patron saint of anything?
St. Ephrem is widely regarded as a patron for spiritual writers, poets, theologians, catechists, and those seeking growth in prayer and holiness.
How do I pray the St. Ephrem the Syrian Novena?
Begin with the Sign of the Cross, pray the novena prayer, present your personal intention, and conclude with:
- Pray One: Our Father
- Pray One: Hail Mary
- Pray One: Glory Be
Why is the Prayer of St. Ephrem prayed during Lent?
The Prayer of St. Ephrem is a cherished part of the Byzantine Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Lenten tradition. It asks God to free us from spiritual vices and to fill us with the virtues needed to prepare our hearts for the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection.
Can Roman Catholics pray the Prayer of St. Ephrem?
Yes. Although it is especially associated with the Byzantine tradition, Roman Catholics are encouraged to pray the Prayer of St. Ephrem, particularly during Lent, as a beautiful meditation on repentance, humility, and Christian virtue.
| Novena Begins: | May 31 |
| Feast Day: | June 9 |
Patron Saint of Spiritual Directors, Spiritual Leaders
Day 1 – St. Ephrem the Syrian Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious St. Ephrem the Syrian, deacon, teacher of the faith, and Doctor of the Church, you devoted your life to prayer, humility, and proclaiming the truth of the Gospel. Through your powerful intercession, obtain for us the grace to grow in holiness and to seek God with sincere hearts.
O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, despair, the lust for power, and idle talk.
But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience, and love to Your servant.
Yes, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother, for You are blessed unto ages of ages.
Through the prayers of St. Ephrem the Syrian, grant the favor I now humbly ask, if it is according to Your holy will.
(Mention your request here…)
Amen.
St. Ephrem the Syrian, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 2 – St. Ephrem the Syrian Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious St. Ephrem the Syrian, deacon, teacher of the faith, and Doctor of the Church, you devoted your life to prayer, humility, and proclaiming the truth of the Gospel. Through your powerful intercession, obtain for us the grace to grow in holiness and to seek God with sincere hearts.
O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, despair, the lust for power, and idle talk.
But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience, and love to Your servant.
Yes, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother, for You are blessed unto ages of ages.
Through the prayers of St. Ephrem the Syrian, grant the favor I now humbly ask, if it is according to Your holy will.
(Mention your request here…)
Amen.
St. Ephrem the Syrian, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 3 – St. Ephrem the Syrian Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious St. Ephrem the Syrian, deacon, teacher of the faith, and Doctor of the Church, you devoted your life to prayer, humility, and proclaiming the truth of the Gospel. Through your powerful intercession, obtain for us the grace to grow in holiness and to seek God with sincere hearts.
O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, despair, the lust for power, and idle talk.
But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience, and love to Your servant.
Yes, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother, for You are blessed unto ages of ages.
Through the prayers of St. Ephrem the Syrian, grant the favor I now humbly ask, if it is according to Your holy will.
(Mention your request here…)
Amen.
St. Ephrem the Syrian, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 4 – St. Ephrem the Syrian Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious St. Ephrem the Syrian, deacon, teacher of the faith, and Doctor of the Church, you devoted your life to prayer, humility, and proclaiming the truth of the Gospel. Through your powerful intercession, obtain for us the grace to grow in holiness and to seek God with sincere hearts.
O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, despair, the lust for power, and idle talk.
But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience, and love to Your servant.
Yes, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother, for You are blessed unto ages of ages.
Through the prayers of St. Ephrem the Syrian, grant the favor I now humbly ask, if it is according to Your holy will.
(Mention your request here…)
Amen.
St. Ephrem the Syrian, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 5 – St. Ephrem the Syrian Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious St. Ephrem the Syrian, deacon, teacher of the faith, and Doctor of the Church, you devoted your life to prayer, humility, and proclaiming the truth of the Gospel. Through your powerful intercession, obtain for us the grace to grow in holiness and to seek God with sincere hearts.
O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, despair, the lust for power, and idle talk.
But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience, and love to Your servant.
Yes, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother, for You are blessed unto ages of ages.
Through the prayers of St. Ephrem the Syrian, grant the favor I now humbly ask, if it is according to Your holy will.
(Mention your request here…)
Amen.
St. Ephrem the Syrian, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 6 – St. Ephrem the Syrian Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious St. Ephrem the Syrian, deacon, teacher of the faith, and Doctor of the Church, you devoted your life to prayer, humility, and proclaiming the truth of the Gospel. Through your powerful intercession, obtain for us the grace to grow in holiness and to seek God with sincere hearts.
O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, despair, the lust for power, and idle talk.
But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience, and love to Your servant.
Yes, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother, for You are blessed unto ages of ages.
Through the prayers of St. Ephrem the Syrian, grant the favor I now humbly ask, if it is according to Your holy will.
(Mention your request here…)
Amen.
St. Ephrem the Syrian, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 7 – St. Ephrem the Syrian Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious St. Ephrem the Syrian, deacon, teacher of the faith, and Doctor of the Church, you devoted your life to prayer, humility, and proclaiming the truth of the Gospel. Through your powerful intercession, obtain for us the grace to grow in holiness and to seek God with sincere hearts.
O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, despair, the lust for power, and idle talk.
But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience, and love to Your servant.
Yes, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother, for You are blessed unto ages of ages.
Through the prayers of St. Ephrem the Syrian, grant the favor I now humbly ask, if it is according to Your holy will.
(Mention your request here…)
Amen.
St. Ephrem the Syrian, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 8 – St. Ephrem the Syrian Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious St. Ephrem the Syrian, deacon, teacher of the faith, and Doctor of the Church, you devoted your life to prayer, humility, and proclaiming the truth of the Gospel. Through your powerful intercession, obtain for us the grace to grow in holiness and to seek God with sincere hearts.
O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, despair, the lust for power, and idle talk.
But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience, and love to Your servant.
Yes, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother, for You are blessed unto ages of ages.
Through the prayers of St. Ephrem the Syrian, grant the favor I now humbly ask, if it is according to Your holy will.
(Mention your request here…)
Amen.
St. Ephrem the Syrian, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 9 – St. Ephrem the Syrian Novena
Let us begin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O glorious St. Ephrem the Syrian, deacon, teacher of the faith, and Doctor of the Church, you devoted your life to prayer, humility, and proclaiming the truth of the Gospel. Through your powerful intercession, obtain for us the grace to grow in holiness and to seek God with sincere hearts.
O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, despair, the lust for power, and idle talk.
But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience, and love to Your servant.
Yes, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother, for You are blessed unto ages of ages.
Through the prayers of St. Ephrem the Syrian, grant the favor I now humbly ask, if it is according to Your holy will.
(Mention your request here…)
Amen.
St. Ephrem the Syrian, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Leave us your prayers…