Syriac deacon, hymnographer and theologian
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Trinity Anglican Seminary is built on the same daily prayer rhythms you practice every time you hit play. Morning Prayer. Evening Prayer. Weekly Eucharist. It's a place where chapel and classroom aren't two separate worlds, they're one. This June, you can experience it firsthand, whether you're seeking a degree or just a week of learning and formation. Intensive registration is open now at tas.edu/dailyoffice.Morning Prayer for Wednesday, June 10, 2026 (Proper 5; Ephrem of Edessa, Deacon and Teacher of the Faith, 373).Psalm and Scripture readings (60-day Psalter):Psalms 99-101Joshua 8:1-22, 30-35Luke 22:39-53Click here to support The Daily Office Podcast with a one-time gift or a recurring donation.Click here to access the text for the Daily Office at DailyOffice2019.com.
Trinity Anglican Seminary is built on the same daily prayer rhythms you practice every time you hit play. Morning Prayer. Evening Prayer. Weekly Eucharist. It's a place where chapel and classroom aren't two separate worlds, they're one. This June, you can experience it firsthand, whether you're seeking a degree or just a week of learning and formation. Intensive registration is open now at tas.edu/dailyoffice.Evening Prayer for Wednesday, June 10, 2026 (Eve of Barnabas the Apostle; Proper 5; Ephrem of Edessa, Deacon and Teacher of the Faith, 373).Psalm and Scripture readings (60-day Psalter):Psalm 102Ezekiel 15Acts 12:25-13:12Click here to support The Daily Office Podcast with a one-time gift or a recurring donation.Click here to access the text for the Daily Office at DailyOffice2019.com.
It is hard to pass by a feast day honoring a saint who has been declared “Doctor of the Church.” After all, there have been only 38 declared in the long history of the Catholic Church and they all have something special to teach us. St. Ephrem, a deacon born to Christian parents around the year 306, spent his life teaching Christians throughout Mesopotamia. He did it mostly through hymns, even organizing an all-women choir to perform in church, something that was not practiced at the time. The choir members were even known as “deaconesses.” Ephrem often referred to himself as the “herdsman” and the bishop as the “shepherd.” In 337, Emperor Constantine I died. Constantine was responsible for legalizing and promoting the practice of Christianity. Seeing an opportunity, the King of Persia, Shapur II, began to systematically attack the area where Ephrem lived. His hometown was besieged, but remained safe within its walls, even when Shapur's army diverted a river to undermine them. When the attacking army elephants and calvary got bogged down in the wet ground, it allowed the citizens of the city to quickly refortify the walls. Ephrem even wrote a hymn commemorating the event, referring to the city as “Noah's Ark,” floating to safety on the flood. Eventually, his home city was captured, and all the Christians were expelled. Ephrem moved to Edessa in modern day Greece. He began to build the local church by establishing a learning center where he served as a teacher. He succumbed to the plague as he ministered to its victims in 373. I will conclude with a portion of one of Ephrem's sermons: “In your sacrament we daily embrace you and receive you into our bodies; make us worthy to experience the resurrection for which we hope. We have your treasure hidden within us ever since we received baptismal grace; it grows ever richer at your sacramental table…Savior, your crucifixion marked the end of your mortal life; teach us to crucify ourselves and make way for our life in the Spirit.” Amen. Blessings, Fr. Kevin MacDonald, C.Ss.R.
Tuesday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time Optional Memorial of St. Ephrem, 306-373; poet, teacher, orator, and defender of the faith, Saint Ephrem is the only Syriac Christian recognized as a doctor of the Church; he had a prolific pen; although he was not a man of great scholarship, his works reflect deep insight and knowledge of the Scriptures; he wrote hymns against the heretics of his day; he would take the popular songs of the heretical groups and using their melodies, compose beautiful hymns embodying orthodox doctrine; he lived in a small cave overlooking the city of Edessa; it was here that he died around 373 Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 6/9/26 Gospel: Matthew 5:13-16
Father Anthony with Cristina and Tony regroup today after the weekend to discuss the goings on, and people in the Parish. This continues to be an emotionally filled time for the Parish and its families as the school closes this month after 150 years of offering excellent Catholic education. Father Anthony offers daily prayer with the Litany to the Sacred Heart. After prayer Father chats about Corpus Christi and the differences in how we celebrate it today. He then reads from the Letter of St. Ephrem, todays saint of the day, unpacking his words applicability to current times. Father concludes the show with the words of St. Boniface of the seventh century who was a reformer in his time founding and restoring dioceses. St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish
Happy feast of St. Ephrem the Syrian! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Dr. Matthew Bunson to look at the life and legacy of this great poet and theologian. Other guests include Fr. Ignatius Schweitzer, author of “How to be His,” and Steve Ray on why we refer to Mary’s heart as “immaculate.” Plus news, weather, sports, and more… ***** Prayer of St. Ephrem the Syrian O Lord and Master of my life,Spare me from the spirit of apathy and meddling,Of idle chatter and love of power. Instead, grant to me, Your servant,The spirit of integrity and humility,Of patience and love. Yes, O Lord and God,Grant me the grace to be aware of my sinsAnd not to judge others, For You are blessed,Now and forever. Amen ***** Full list of guestsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Full Text of Readings Tuesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 360 The Saint of the day is Saint Ephrem Saint Ephrem's Story Poet, teacher, orator, and defender of the faith, Saint Ephrem is the only Syriac Christian recognized as a doctor of the Church. He took upon himself the special task of opposing the many false doctrines rampant at his time, always remaining a true and forceful defender of the Catholic Church. Born in Nisibis, Mesopotamia, he was baptized as a young man and became famous as a teacher in his native city. When the Christian emperor had to cede Nisibis to the Persians, Ephrem fled as a refugee to Edessa, along with many other Christians. He is credited with attracting great glory to the biblical school there. He was ordained a deacon but declined becoming a priest. Ephrem was said to have avoided presbyteral consecration by feigning madness! Saint Ephrem had a prolific pen, and his writings best illumine his holiness. Although he was not a man of great scholarship, his works reflect deep insight and knowledge of the Scriptures. In writing about the mysteries of humanity's redemption, Ephrem reveals a realistic and humanly sympathetic spirit and a great devotion to the humanity of Jesus. It is said that his poetic account of the Last Judgment inspired Dante. It is surprising to read that he wrote hymns against the heretics of his day. He would take the popular songs of the heretical groups and using their melodies, compose beautiful hymns embodying orthodox doctrine. Saint Ephrem became one of the first to introduce song into the Church's public worship as a means of instruction for the faithful. His many hymns have earned him the title “Harp of the Holy Spirit.” Saint Ephrem preferred a simple, austere life, living in a small cave overlooking the city of Edessa. It was here that he died around 373. Reflection Many Catholics still find singing in church a problem, probably because of the rather individualistic piety that they inherited. Yet singing has been a tradition of both the Old and the New Testaments. It is an excellent way of expressing and creating a community spirit of unity as well as of joy. An ancient historian testifies that Saint Ephrem's hymns “lent luster to the Christian assemblies.” We need some modern Ephrems—and cooperating singers—to do the same for our Christian assemblies today.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media
Continuing our series exploring City Church Worcester Values, Ephrem explores Saul's encounter with God and his passion.
Psalm 69Reading 1: Revelation 10Reading 2: From a sermon by St. Ephrem, deaconSt. Helena Ministries is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit. Your donations may be tax-deductibleSupport us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Echoes of Eden series, Tim and Steve continue their journey through Genesis 3—moving beyond the fall itself into its deeper consequences, surprising grace, and the first glimpse of the Gospel.What actually happens after humanity's disobedience? Is this story about punishment… or something else entirely?As the narrative unfolds, we encounter the protoevangelium—the first announcement of Good News—pointing forward to Christ's ultimate victory over sin and death. Along the way, we wrestle with some big theological questions: Did God punish Adam and Eve—or reveal the consequences of their choices? What really changed in humanity after the fall? How has the doctrine of original sin shaped the Gospel we preach today? Drawing from the writings of Ephrem the Syrian, this episode also explores a breathtaking vision of Paradise—not just as a lost place, but as a present reality and a future hope fulfilled in Christ.This conversation invites you to rethink the story: From fear to love. From punishment to restoration. From exile… to the promise of returning home.
47 The chief priests therefore, and the Pharisees, gathered a council, and said: What do we, for this man doth many miracles?Collegerunt ergo pontifices et pharisaei concilium, et dicebant : Quid faciamus, quia hic homo multa signa facit? 48 If we let him alone so, all will believe in him; and the Romans will come, and take away our place and nation.Si dimittimus eum sic, omnes credent in eum, et venient Romani, et tollent nostrum locum, et gentem. 49 But one of them, named Caiphas, being the high priest that year, said to them: You know nothing.Unus autem ex ipsis, Caiphas nomine, cum esset pontifex anni illius, dixit eis : Vos nescitis quidquam, 50 Neither do you consider that it is expedient for you that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.nec cogitatis quia expedit vobis ut unus moriatur homo pro populo, et non tota gens pereat. 51 And this he spoke not of himself: but being the high priest of that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for the nation.Hoc autem a semetipso non dixit : sed cum esset pontifex anni illius, prophetavit, quod Jesus moriturus erat pro gente, 52 And not only for the nation, but to gather together in one the children of God, that were dispersed.et non tantum pro gente, sed ut filios Dei, qui erant dispersi, congregaret in unum. 53 From that day therefore they devised to put him to death.Ab illo ergo die cogitaverunt ut interficerent eum. 54 Wherefore Jesus walked no more openly among the Jews; but he went into a country near the desert, unto a city that is called Ephrem, and there he abode with his disciples.Jesus ergo jam non in palam ambulabat apud Judaeos, sed abiit in regionem juxta desertum, in civitatem quae dicitur Ephrem, et ibi morabatur cum discipulis suis.
In Hour 2 of the Patrick Madrid Show, callers discussed an array of topics. Patrick read from Fr. Mark Clark addressing the validity of marriage according to Canon 1108, and an email from Ephrem asked whether Our Lady of Guadalupe was pregnant a second time. Susan called to ask how to explain to a fallen-away Catholic that we are judged on our own life rather than the life of Jesus. Patrick also addressed whether sins that have been properly repented of will be brought up again by Jesus at the Final Judgement. (01:06) Email – About the validity of marriage. Patrick reads from Fr. Mark Clark to addressing this situation according to Canon 1108. (6:49) Susan - I would like to talk about ways people can give back to their community in more ways than just litter removal which you talked about last week. Break 1 (18:49) Susan - How do you explain to a fallen away Catholic that when we die we are judged on our life not on the life of Jesus? Break 2 (35:51) Patrick - If you repented of your sins does Jesus bring up those sins again? (45:35) Email – Ephrem – Was Our Lady of Guadalupe pregnant a second time?
Psalm 104Reading 1: Proverbs 1Reading 2: From a commentary on the Diatessaron by St. Ephrem, deaconSt. Helena Ministries is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit. Your donations may be tax-deductibleSupport us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975
We speak because we are afraid to be still. We speak because silence exposes us. We speak because when the mouth closes the heart begins to make noise and that noise is often unbearable. The Fathers knew this long before psychology gave it names. They knew that speech is not neutral. It is not just communication. It is an outflow of what is ruling the inner world. Every word carries the weight of the heart behind it. This is why Abba Pambo could stand at death and say that he had not repented of a single word and yet also say that he had not even begun to serve God. He knew what speech costs. He knew how easily a careless phrase can wound another, harden the self or invite the demons into the space between people. He did not trust his own clarity. He waited. He let months pass rather than speak a word that was not born from God. That kind of restraint feels almost inhuman to us. We live in a world that rewards immediacy. We are trained to answer quickly, react quickly, express quickly, post quickly, correct quickly. But speed is not truth. Speed is often panic wearing a clever face. The monk who waits to speak is not slow. He is standing before God inside himself. He is listening for something that is not his own. The Elder says that a man can be silent with his lips and loud with his heart. That is the most damning line in this whole section. You can say nothing and still be screaming. You can be quiet and still be condemning everyone around you. You can appear peaceful while your mind is devouring your brothers. Another man can speak all day and yet remain silent because he refuses to let his words become weapons, judgments or self display. Silence is not a style. It is a spiritual state. Idle talk is not mostly obscene or stupid. It is unnecessary. It is speech that does not serve salvation. It is talk that fills the space so we do not have to face what is happening inside. We speak about bodies and opinions and events and annoyances and plans because these are safer than the truth of our hearts. The moment we speak about what is good we discover how quickly evil slips in. Pride sneaks into holy words. Comparison sneaks into spiritual conversation. The self sneaks into everything. This is why the Elder answers the brother who wants a word to be saved with something that sounds almost trivial. Do not hasten to speak before you consider what you are going to say. That is not etiquette. That is warfare. To pause before speaking is to interrupt the automatic rule of the ego. It is to refuse to let the tongue be driven by irritation, hunger for recognition or the need to be right. It is to create a small space where God might enter. Most of what we say is not meant to help anyone. It is meant to regulate ourselves. We speak to soothe anxiety. We speak to discharge frustration. We speak to draw attention. We speak to feel real. We speak to avoid the ache of not being in control. The mouth becomes a narcotic. The more we use it the less we notice how enslaved we are to it. This is why the Fathers are so severe. They are not moralizing. They are diagnosing a sickness. The soul that cannot keep watch over its words cannot keep watch over its thoughts. The heart that pours itself out through constant speech cannot remain gathered before God. It leaks. It disperses. It becomes weak. The tragedy is that we confuse expression with honesty. We think that saying what we feel is the same as bringing it to God. It is not. Most of the time it just feeds the feeling. It strengthens the pattern. It builds a little kingdom around the self. We call it authenticity but it is often captivity. The monk learns slowly and painfully that every word either bends him toward God or bends him toward himself. There is no neutral speech. Either it deepens prayer or it corrodes it. Either it builds communion or it sows division. Either it creates space for grace or it fills the room with ego. This is why the saint waits. This is why the Elder warns. This is why the Fathers tremble before idle talk. They have seen what words do to the heart. They have watched souls unravel because the mouth was never taught to kneel. To learn silence is not to become mute. It is to become true. It is to let God have the first and last word inside you. And until that happens every sentence we speak is a small gamble with our soul. --- Text of chat during the group: 00:00:31 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Page 353 00:01:32 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Hypothesis XLVII page 353 concerning speech and silence 00:06:10 Catherine Opie: Without mosquitoes we would have no frogs or bats 00:11:38 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 353 A Hypothesis 47 00:12:10 Catherine Opie: Reacted to "P. 353 A Hypothesis ..." with
The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple: Commentary on Luke 2:22-35Dive deep into the rich historical and theological meaning of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple with this compilation of ancient Christian commentary.This video brings together the insights of three key Church Fathers:St. Cyril of Alexandria (d. 444): Explores Christ as the Mediator, the "Light for revelation to the Gentiles," and the "glory of Your people Israel." He explains Simeon's prophecy of Christ being appointed for the "fall and rising of many" and the "sword" that would pierce the Virgin Mary's soul.St. Bede the Venerable (d. 735): Discusses Mary's voluntary submission to the Law for our freedom and the mystical significance of the offering of two turtledoves or two young pigeons. He interprets the pigeon as simplicity and the turtledove as chastity, and also relates them to the active and contemplative lives.St. Ephrem the Syrian (d. 373): Focuses on Simeon as the vessel of priesthood and prophecy, explaining how he "handed over the keys" of both gifts to Christ, the Lord of all fullness, drawing a parallel between the first Simeon (the priest) and the second Simeon (Peter the Apostle).Key Themes Explored:Christ's humility and obedience to the Mosaic Law.The profound meaning of Simeon's prophecy.The role of the Virgin Mary.The symbolism of the sacrifice of the poor (turtledoves and pigeons).The union of priesthood and prophecy in Christ.Whether you're studying Scripture, Church history, or looking for a deeper understanding of this pivotal moment in the life of Christ, this commentary offers timeless spiritual guidance.#Luke2 #PresentationInTheTemple #Candlemas #StCyrilOfAlexandria #Bede #EphremTheSyrian #ChurchFathers #BiblicalCommentary #Theology #ChristianHistory #SimeonsProphecy #ScriptureStudy
Beauty in Orthodoxy: Architecture I The Beauty of Creation and the Shape of Reality In this class, the first in a series on "Orthodox Beauty in Architecture," Father Anthony explores beauty not as decoration or subjective taste, but as a theological category that reveals God, shapes human perception, and defines humanity's priestly vocation within creation. Drawing extensively on Archbishop Job of Telmessos' work on creation as icon, he traces a single arc from Genesis through Christ to Eucharist and sacred space, showing how the Fall begins with distorted vision and how repentance restores the world to sacrament. The session lays the theological groundwork for Orthodox architecture by arguing that how we build, worship, and inhabit space flows directly from how we see reality itself. --- The Beauty of Creation and the Shape of Reality: Handout Core Thesis: Beauty is not decorative or subjective, but a theological category. Creation is beautiful because it reveals God, forms human perception, and calls humanity to a priestly vocation that culminates in sacrament and sacred space. 1. Creation Is Not Only Good — It Is Beautiful Beauty belongs to the very being of creation. Creation is "very good" (kalá lian), meaning beautiful, revealing God's generosity and love (Gen 1:31). Beauty precedes usefulness; the world is gift before task. 2. Creation Is an Icon That Reveals Its Creator Creation reveals God without containing Him. The world speaks of God iconographically, inviting contemplation rather than possession (Ps 19:1–2). Right vision requires stillness and purification of attention. 3. Humanity Is the Priest and Guardian of Creation Humanity mediates between God and the world. Created in God's image, humanity is called to offer creation back to God in thanksgiving (Gen 1:26–27; Ps 8). Dominion means stewardship and priesthood, not control. 4. The Fall Is a Loss of Vision Before a Moral Failure Sin begins with distorted perception. The Fall occurs when beauty is grasped rather than received (Gen 3:6). Blindness precedes disobedience; repentance heals vision. 5. True Beauty Is Revealed in Christ Beauty saves because Christ saves. True beauty is cruciform, revealed in self-giving love (Ps 50:2; Rev 5:12). Beauty without goodness becomes destructive. 6. Creation Participates in the Logos Creation is meaningful and oriented toward God. All things exist through the Word and carry divine intention (Ps 33:6). Participation without pantheism; meaning without collapse. 7. The World Is Sacramental Creation is meant to become Eucharist. The world finds fulfillment as an offering of thanksgiving (Ps 24:1; Rev 5:13). Eucharist restores vision and vocation. 8. Beauty Takes Form: Architecture Matters Sacred space forms belief and perception. From Eden to the Church, space mediates communion with God (Gen 2:8; Ps 26:8). Architecture is theology made inhabitable. Final Horizon "Behold, the dwelling of God is with men" (Rev 21:3).How we see shapes how we live. How we worship shapes how we see. How we build is how we worship. --- Lecture note: Beauty in Orthodoxy: Architecture IThe Beauty of Creation and the Shape of Reality When we speak about beauty, we often treat it as something optional—something added after the "real" work of theology is done. Beauty is frequently reduced to personal taste, emotional response, or decoration. But in the Orthodox tradition, beauty is none of those things. Beauty is not accidental. It is not subjective. And it is not peripheral. Tonight, I want to explore a much stronger claim: beauty is a theological category. It tells us something true about God, about the world, and about the human vocation within creation. Following the work of Archbishop Job of Telmessos, I want to trace a single arc—from creation, to Christ, to sacrament, and finally toward architecture. This will not yet be a talk about buildings. It is a talk about why buildings matter at all. Big Idea 1: Creation Is Not Only Good — It Is Beautiful (Creation Icon) The biblical story begins not with scarcity or chaos, but with abundance. In Genesis 1 we hear the repeated refrain, "And God saw that it was good." But at the end of creation, Scripture intensifies the claim: "And God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good." (Genesis 1:31) In the Greek of the Septuagint, this is kalá lian—very beautiful. From the beginning, the world is not merely functional or morally acceptable. It is beautiful. Archbishop Job emphasizes this clearly: "According to the biblical account of creation, the world is not only 'good' but 'very good,' that is, beautiful. Beauty belongs to the very being of creation and is not something added later as an aesthetic supplement. The beauty of the created world reveals the generosity and love of the Creator." Pastoral expansion: This vision differs sharply from how we often speak about the world today. We describe reality in terms of efficiency, productivity, or survival. But Scripture begins with beauty because beauty invites love, not control. A beautiful world is not a problem to be solved, but a gift to be received. God creates a world that draws the human heart outward in wonder and gratitude before it ever demands labor or management. Theological lineage: This understanding of creation as beautiful rather than merely useful comes from the Cappadocian Fathers, especially St. Basil the Great and St. Gregory of Nyssa. In Basil's Hexaemeron, creation reflects divine generosity rather than human need. Gregory goes further, insisting that beauty belongs to creation's being because it flows from the goodness of God. Archbishop Job is clearly drawing from this Cappadocian cosmology, where beauty is already a form of revelation. Big Idea 2: Creation Is an Icon That Reveals Its Creator (Landscape) If creation is beautiful, the next question is why. The Orthodox answer is iconographic. "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims His handiwork. Day to day pours forth speech." (Psalm 19:1–2) Creation speaks. It reveals. It points beyond itself. Archbishop Job reminds us: "The Fathers of the Church affirm that the world is a kind of icon of God. Creation reveals the invisible God through visible forms, not by containing Him, but by pointing toward Him. As St. Anthony the Great said, 'My book is the nature of created things.'" Pastoral expansion: This iconographic vision explains why the Fathers insist that spiritual failure is often a failure of attention. Creation does not stop declaring God's glory—but we may stop listening. Beauty does not overpower us; it waits for us. It invites stillness, humility, and patience. These are spiritual disciplines long before they are aesthetic preferences. Theological lineage: This way of reading creation comes from the ascetical tradition of the desert, especially St. Anthony the Great and Evagrius Ponticus. For them, knowledge of God depended on purified vision. Creation could only be read rightly by a healed heart. When Archbishop Job calls creation an icon, he is standing squarely within this early monastic conviction that perception—not analysis—is the primary spiritual faculty. Big Idea 3: Humanity Is the Priest and Guardian of a Beautiful World (Naming Icon) Genesis tells us: "Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.'" (Genesis 1:26) And Psalm 8 adds: "You have crowned him with glory and honor. You have given him dominion over the works of Your hands." Human dominion here is priestly, not exploitative. Archbishop Job explains: "Man is created in the image of God in order to lead creation toward its fulfillment. The image is given, but the likeness must be attained through participation in God's life." Pastoral expansion: A priest does not own what he offers. He receives it, blesses it, and returns it. Humanity stands between heaven and earth not as master, but as mediator. When this priestly role is forgotten, creation loses its voice. The world becomes mute—reduced to raw material—because no one is offering it back to God in thanksgiving. Theological lineage: This vision begins with St. Irenaeus of Lyons, who distinguished image and likeness, but it reaches full maturity in St. Maximus the Confessor. Maximus presents humanity as the creature uniquely capable of uniting material and spiritual reality. Archbishop Job's anthropology is unmistakably Maximosian: humanity exists not for itself, but for the reconciliation and offering of all things. Big Idea 4: The Fall Is a Loss of Vision Before It Is a Moral Failure (Expulsion) Genesis describes the Fall visually: "When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, a delight to the eyes, and desirable to make one wise…" (Genesis 3:6) The problem is not hunger, but distorted sight. Archbishop Job writes: "The fall of man is not simply a moral transgression but a distortion of vision. Creation is no longer perceived as a gift to be received in thanksgiving, but as an object to be possessed." Pastoral expansion: The tragedy of the Fall is not that beauty disappears, but that beauty is misread. What was meant to lead to communion now leads to isolation. Violence and exploitation do not erupt suddenly; they flow from a deeper blindness. How we see determines how we live. Theological lineage: This understanding of sin comes primarily from St. Maximus the Confessor, echoed by St. Ephrem and St. Isaac the Syrian. Sin is a darkening of the nous, a misdirection of desire. Repentance, therefore, is medicinal rather than juridical—it heals vision before correcting behavior. Big Idea 5: "Beauty Will Save the World" Means Christ Will Save the World (Pantocrator) The Psalms proclaim: "From Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth." (Psalm 50:2) And Revelation declares: "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain…" (Revelation 5:12) Archbishop Job cautions: "True beauty is revealed in the self-giving love of the Son of God. Detached from goodness and truth, beauty becomes destructive rather than salvific." Pastoral expansion: Without the Cross, beauty becomes sentimental or cruel. The Crucified Christ reveals a beauty that does not protect itself or demand admiration. It gives itself away. Only this kind of beauty can heal the world. Theological lineage: Here Archbishop Job corrects Dostoyevsky with the Fathers—especially St. Gregory of Nyssa and St. Isaac the Syrian. Beauty is Christological and kenotic. Love, not attraction, is the measure of truth. Big Idea 6: Creation Contains the Seeds of the Logos (Pentecost) The Psalms declare: "By the word of the Lord the heavens were made." (Psalm 33:6) Archbishop Job explains: "The Fathers speak of the logoi of beings, rooted in the divine Logos." Pastoral expansion: Creation is meaningful because it is addressed. Every being carries a call beyond itself. When we encounter creation rightly, we stand before a summons—not an object for consumption. Theological lineage: This doctrine belongs almost entirely to St. Maximus the Confessor, building on St. Justin Martyr's logos spermatikos. Maximus safeguards participation without pantheism, transcendence without abstraction. Big Idea 7: The World Is Sacramental and Humanity Is Its Priest (Chalice/Eucharist) "The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof." (Psalm 24:1) "To Him who sits upon the throne and to the Lamb…" (Revelation 5:13) Archbishop Job writes: "The world was created to become a sacrament of communion with God." Pastoral expansion: A sacramental worldview transforms daily life. Work, food, time, and relationships become offerings. Sin becomes forgetfulness. Eucharist heals that forgetfulness by retraining vision. Theological lineage: This language comes explicitly from Fr. Alexander Schmemann, but its roots lie in St. Maximus and St. Nicholas Cabasilas. Archbishop Job retrieves this tradition: Eucharist reveals what the world is meant to be. Big Idea 8: Beauty Takes Form — Architecture as Consequence and Participant (Church Interior) Genesis begins with sacred space: "The Lord God planted a garden in Eden." (Genesis 2:8) And the Psalms confess: "Lord, I love the habitation of Your house." (Psalm 26:8) Archbishop Job writes: "Architecture expresses in material form the vision of the world as God's dwelling." Pastoral expansion: Architecture teaches before words. Light, movement, and orientation shape the soul. Sacred space does not merely express belief—it forms believers. Long after words are forgotten, space continues to catechize. Theological lineage: This vision draws on St. Dionysius the Areopagite, St. Maximus the Confessor, and St. Germanus of Constantinople. Architecture is theology made inhabitable. Conclusion "Behold, the dwelling of God is with men." (Revelation 21:3) Creation is beautiful. Beauty reveals God. Humanity is its priest. How we build reveals what we believe the world is—and what we believe human beings are becoming.
Psalm 18Reading 1: Isaiah 16, 17Reading 2: From a commentary on the Diatessaron by St. Ephrem, deaconSt. Helena Ministries is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit. Your donations may be tax-deductibleSupport us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975
December 8 is the Solemn Feast of the Immaculate Conception, and every year we hear the same two objections: “Pius IX invented the Immaculate Conception in 1854” and “God can't apply the Cross backward in time.” In this episode Greg walks line-by-line through the primary sources—from St. Ephrem in 373 to Martin Luther still preaching it in 1527—and shows why both claims collapse the moment you open a history book (or the Bible). Along the way he unpacks the two deepest reasons the Church has always believed this doctrine: Mary as the spotless New Ark and, even more powerfully, Mary as the New Eve who finally gives humanity's obedient Yes where the first Eve said No. A fast, source-packed, occasionally cheeky defense that leaves no room for the usual drive-by tweets—and might just leave a few Protestant listeners speechless. SUPPORT THIS SHOW Considering Catholicism is 100% listener-supported. If this podcast has helped you on your journey, please become a patron today! For as little as $5/month you get: • Every regular episode ad-free and organized into topical playlists • Exclusive bonus content (extra Q&As, Deep-Dive courses, live streams, and more) • My deepest gratitude and a growing community of like-minded listeners ➡️ Join now: https://patreon.com/consideringcatholicism (or tap the Patreon link in your podcast app) One-time gift: Donate with PayPal! CONNECT WITH US • Website & contact form: https://consideringcatholicism.com • Email: consideringcatholicism@gmail.com • Leave a comment on Patreon (I read every one!) RATE & REVIEW If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating (and even better, a review) on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — it really helps new listeners find us. SHARE THE SHOW Know someone who's curious about Catholicism? Send them a link or share an episode on social media. Thank you! Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat.
QUOTES FOR REFLECTION“Men sometimes speak as if humility and meekness would rob us of what is noble and bold and manlike. O that all would believe that this is the nobility of the kingdom of heaven, that this is the royal spirit that the king of heaven displayed, that this is godlike, to humble oneself, to become servant of all!”~Andrew Murray (1828-1917), writer and pastor “It is blasphemy if you pray before God while you are full of anger.”~Ephrem the Syrian (c.306-373), Aramean Christian theologian and writer My dear Wormwood,Be sure that the patient remains completely fixated on politics. Arguments, political gossip, and obsessing on the faults of people they have never met serves as an excellent distraction from advancing in personal virtue, character, and the things the patient can control. Make sure to keep the patient in a constant state of angst, frustration, and general disdain towards the rest of the human race in order to avoid any kind of charity or inner peace from further developing. Ensure the patient continues to believe that the problem is “out there” in the “broken system” rather than recognizing there is a problem with himself.Keep up the good work,Uncle Screwtape~from C.S. Lewis's devilish book, The Screwtape Letters (1941) “They all therefore were glorified and magnified, not through themselves or their own works or the righteous doing which they wrought, but through His will. And so we, having been called through His will in Christ Jesus, are not justified through ourselves or through our own wisdom or understanding or piety or works which we wrought in holiness of heart, but through faith, whereby the Almighty God justified all men that have been from the beginning; to whom be the glory forever and ever.”~Clement of Rome in 1 Clement 32:3-4, a letter written to Corinth in c. A.D. 96 “God allowed his Son to suffer as if a condemned sinner, so that we might be delivered from the penalty of our sins. This is God's righteousness, that we are not justified by works (for then they would have to be perfect, which is impossible), but by grace, in which case all our sin is removed.”~John Chrysostom (c. 347-407), Homilies on the Epistles of Paul to the Corinthians Question 33: What is justification? Answer: Justification is the act of God's free grace by which He pardons all our sins and accepts us as righteous in His sight. He does so only because He counts the righteousness of Christ as ours. Justification is received by faith alone.~Westminster Shorter Catechism (1647)SERMON PASSAGEselected passages (ESV)Acts 2 41 So those who received [Peter's] word were baptized, and there were added that day [to the church] about three thousand souls. 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.Ephesians 2 1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the flesh and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. 11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— 12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.Ephesians 4 & 5 1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace…. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. 1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
In this episode of the Get Creative Podcast, host Justin Tuminowski sits down with Ephrem Fuffa and Mike “Creative Mike” Molusco to reveal how two real estate investors turned a distressed property into a six-figure payday—all by answering a DM and choosing collaboration over competition. Ephrem, a trucking-business owner turned investor, shares how he found a deal on Auction.com, while Mike explains the creative strategies, attorney relationships, and buyer connections that ultimately saved a homeowner from foreclosure and netted them each $77,000 in profit. You'll discover: Why answering your DMs could lead to your next big deal How to source free real estate leads without buying expensive lists The power of SubTo community collaboration and joint ventures Tips for navigating auctions, pre-foreclosures, and last-minute closing hurdles How creative finance and empathy can build wealth and relationships If you're a new or seasoned investor looking for proof that taking action and collaborating leads to massive results, this episode will inspire you.
What if the whole story of the Bible could be told through four mountains?In this conversation, Mike speaks with theologian and pastor Michael Niebauer about his new book, Four Mountains: Encountering God in the Bible from Eden to Zion. They explore how the geography of Eden, Sinai, Tabor, and Zion can guide readers toward a deeper understanding of Scripture—and a more faithful approach to preaching it.Michael reflects on his own development as a preacher, the discipline of lectionary-based sermons, and the formative role of repetition, feedback, and theological tradition. He outlines how early Christian exegesis, especially the writings of figures like Ephrem the Syrian, shaped his thinking and helped him connect the Old and New Testaments with fresh clarity.Other highlights include:Why Eden was probably a mountainHow to preach biblical symbolism without confusing your listenersThe Bible as unapologetically TrinitarianBalancing historical context with spiritual readingMinistry to the elderly through Heritage MissionAnd why every sermon should lead to love of God and neighbourWhether you're a seasoned preacher or simply looking for new ways to read the Bible, this episode offers theological insight and practical encouragement.Michael Niebauer is an Anglican Pastor and Director of Heritage Mission, an initiative that trains leaders to start worship services in care facilities. He is the author of Four Mountains: Encountering God in the Bible from Eden to Zion and Virtuous Persuasion, a Christianity Today Book Award finalist and Outreach Magazine's 2022 Missional Resource of the Year.Resources Mentioned: You can purchase Michael's book Four Mountains: Encountering God in the Bible from Eden to Zion here: https://lexhampress.com/expositors —————Join us August 22–23 at Calvary Chapel St. Petersburg for the next Expositors Collective Training Weekend — a two-day, interactive event designed to equip and encourage Bible teachers and preachers of all experience levels.
CULTIVATING SAINTS, SAGES, AND STATESMEN THROUGH THE GREAT TRADITION OF CHRISTENDOMIn this episode, we cover an incredible event that took place in AD 363: an apostate Roman Emperor who was trying to revive paganism attempted to rebuild the "Third Temple" in Jerusalem. Why? So he could disprove Christ's divinity, and seduce the Jews into eventually becoming pagans. His plot was eerily similar to how most Church Fathers say Antichrist will behave toward Christians and Jews in the end times.But divine intervention stopped him. Fire, explosions from the ground, storms, the sign of the cross in the sky and on the garments of the workers: these and other signs reported by multiple ancient accounts (both pagan and Christian) caused such great fear among the pagans and Jews involved in the project that it was abandoned.Many converted to the Catholic Faith as a result.Check out Becoming Catholic # 57 for all the quotes in the episode, and their sources: https://eternalchristendom.com/becoming-catholic/articles/number-57/ VISIT OUR WEBSITEhttps://eternalchristendom.com/BECOME A PATRON OF THE GREAT TRADITIONHelp us continue to dig into the Great Tradition; produce beautiful, substantive content; and gift these treasures to cultural orphans around the world for free: https://eternalchristendom.com/become-a-patron/EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS AT ETERNAL CHRISTENDOM BOOKSTOREhttps://eternalchristendom.com/bookstore/CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIAX: https://twitter.com/JoshuaTCharlesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/joshuatcharles/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshuatcharles/DIVE DEEPER Check out Eternal Christendom's "Becoming Catholic," where you'll find hundreds of thousands of words of free content (as big as the Bible!) in the form of Articles, Quote Archives, and Study Banks to help you become, remain, and deepen your life as a Catholic:https://eternalchristendom.com/becoming-catholic/EPISODE CHAPTERS00:00 - Introduction08:26 - Roadmap09:14 - Divine Intervention? Or Natural Explanation?13:09 - Emperor Julian the Apostate (Pagan)18:06 - Ammianus Marcellinus (Pagan)19:57 - St. Ephrem the Syrian (Christian)24:08 - St. Gregory Nazianzus (Christian)33:33 - St. Ambrose of Milan (Christian)34:45 - St. Jerome (Christian)37:09 - Rufinus of Aquileia (Christian)41:21 - St. Cyril of Jerusalem on Antichrist and the Temple (Christian)44:33 - St. John Chrysostom (Christian)55:06 - Philostorgius (Christian)59:18 - Socrates of Constantinople (Christian)1:03:46 - Theodoret of Cyrus (Christian)1:07:27 - Sozomen (Christian)1:13:55 - St. Isidore of Seville (Christian)1:17:15 - ConclusionCHECK US OUT ON APPLE AND SPOTIFY
June 18th, 2025: St Ephrem the Syrian - Mindful of the Justice & Mercy of God; St Ephrem of Syria - Harp of the Holy Spirit; St Ephrem of Syria, the Holy Spirit & the Sacred Heart; St Ephrem - Humility for the Knowledge of Truth
13 You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt lose its savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is good for nothing any more but to be cast out, and to be trodden on by men.Vos estis sal terrae. Quod si sal evanuerit, in quo salietur? ad nihilum valet ultra, nisi ut mittatur foras, et conculcetur ab hominibus. 14 You are the light of the world. A city seated on a mountain cannot be hidVos estis lux mundi. Non potest civitas abscondi supra montem posita, 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all that are in the house.neque accedunt lucernam, et ponunt eam sub modio, sed super candelabrum, ut luceat omnibus qui in domo sunt. 16 So let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.Sic luceat lux vestra coram hominibus : ut videant opera vestra bona, et glorificent Patrem vestrum, qui in caelis est. 17 Do not think that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets. I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.Nolite putare quoniam veni solvere legem, aut prophetas : non veni solvere, sed adimplere. 18 For amen I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot, or one tittle shall not pass of the law, till all be fulfilled.Amen quippe dico vobis, donec transeat caelum et terra, jota unum aut unus apex non praeteribit a lege, donec omnia fiant. 19 He therefore that shall break one of these least commandments, and shall so teach men, shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven. But he that shall do and teach, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.Qui ergo solverit unum de mandatis istis minimis, et docuerit sic homines, minimus vocabitur in regno caelorum : qui autem fecerit et docuerit, hic magnus vocabitur in regno caelorum.St Ephrem of Nisibis in Mesopotamia was cast forth from his home by his father, a pagan priest. At first he lived as a hermit, he was later ordained a Deacon at Edessa and became renowned as a poet, an orator and a holy monk. He died A.D. 379.
Evening Prayer for Wednesday, June 11, 2025 (Barnabas the Apostle; Ember Day [Summer Wednesday]; Wednesday after the Day of Pentecost: Whitsunday; Ephrem of Edessa, Deacon and Teacher of the Faith, 373).Psalm and Scripture readings (60-day Psalter):Psalm 104Ezekiel 16:1-5, 33-47, 59-63Acts 13:13-43Click here to access the text for the Daily Office at DailyOffice2019.com.Click here to support The Daily Office Podcast with a one-time gift or a recurring donation.
Morning Prayer for Wednesday, June 11, 2025 (Barnabas the Apostle; Ember Day [Summer Wednesday]; Wednesday after the Day of Pentecost: Whitsunday; Ephrem of Edessa, Deacon and Teacher of the Faith, 373).Psalm and Scripture readings (60-day Psalter):Psalm 103Acts 4:32-37Luke 22:54-71Click here to access the text for the Daily Office at DailyOffice2019.com.Click here to support The Daily Office Podcast with a one-time gift or a recurring donation.
Morning Prayer for Tuesday, June 10, 2025 (Tuesday after the Day of Pentecost: Whitsunday; Ephrem of Edessa, Deacon and Teacher of the Faith, 373).Psalm and Scripture readings (60-day Psalter):Psalms 99-101Joshua 8:1-22, 30-35Luke 22:39-53Click here to access the text for the Daily Office at DailyOffice2019.com.Click here to support The Daily Office Podcast with a one-time gift or a recurring donation.
Evening Prayer for Tuesday, June 10, 2025 (Eve of Barnabas the Apostle; Tuesday after the Day of Pentecost: Whitsunday; Ephrem of Edessa, Deacon and Teacher of the Faith, 373).Psalm and Scripture readings (60-day Psalter):Psalm 102Ezekiel 15Acts 12:25-13:12Click here to access the text for the Daily Office at DailyOffice2019.com.Click here to support The Daily Office Podcast with a one-time gift or a recurring donation.
Born: 306 AD, Nisibis, Turkey Died: June 9, 373 AD, Edessa, Turkey Full name: Ephrem of Nisibis From Vatican.va, an excerpt from the teachings of Pope Benedict XVI General Audience 2007: The figure of Ephrem is still absolutely timely for the life of the various Christian Churches. We discover him in the first place as a theologian who reflects poetically, on the basis of Holy Scripture, on the mystery of man's redemption brought about by Christ, the Word of God incarnate. His is a theological reflection expressed in images and symbols taken from nature, daily life and the Bible. Ephrem gives his poetry and liturgical hymns a didactic and catechetical character: they are theological hymns yet at the same time suitable for recitation or liturgical song. On the occasion of liturgical feasts, Ephrem made use of these hymns to spread Church doctrine. Time has proven them to be an extremely effective catechetical instrument for the Christian community. Ephrem's reflection on the theme of God the Creator is important: nothing in creation is isolated and the world, next to Sacred Scripture, is a Bible of God. By using his freedom wrongly, man upsets the cosmic order. The role of women was important to Ephrem. The way he spoke of them was always inspired with sensitivity and respect: the dwelling place of Jesus in Mary's womb greatly increased women's dignity. Ephrem held that just as there is no Redemption without Jesus, there is no Incarnation without Mary. The divine and human dimensions of the mystery of our redemption can already be found in Ephrem's texts; poetically and with fundamentally scriptural images, he anticipated the theological background and in some way the very language of the great Christological definitions of the fifth-century Councils. Ephrem, honoured by Christian tradition with the title "Harp of the Holy Spirit", remained a deacon of the Church throughout his life. It was a crucial and emblematic decision: he was a deacon, a servant, in his liturgical ministry, and more radically, in his love for Christ, whose praises he sang in an unparalleled way, and also in his love for his brethren, whom he introduced with rare skill to the knowledge of divine Revelation. For more visit Vatican.va The post St. Ephrem of Syria – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Full Text of ReadingsMemorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church Lectionary: 572AThe Saint of the day is Saint EphremSaint Ephrem's Story Poet, teacher, orator, and defender of the faith, Ephrem is the only Syriac Christian recognized as a doctor of the Church. He took upon himself the special task of opposing the many false doctrines rampant at his time, always remaining a true and forceful defender of the Catholic Church. Born in Nisibis, Mesopotamia, he was baptized as a young man and became famous as a teacher in his native city. When the Christian emperor had to cede Nisibis to the Persians, Ephrem fled as a refugee to Edessa, along with many other Christians. He is credited with attracting great glory to the biblical school there. He was ordained a deacon but declined becoming a priest. Ephrem was said to have avoided presbyteral consecration by feigning madness! He had a prolific pen, and his writings best illumine his holiness. Although he was not a man of great scholarship, his works reflect deep insight and knowledge of the Scriptures. In writing about the mysteries of humanity's redemption, Ephrem reveals a realistic and humanly sympathetic spirit and a great devotion to the humanity of Jesus. It is said that his poetic account of the Last Judgment inspired Dante. It is surprising to read that he wrote hymns against the heretics of his day. He would take the popular songs of the heretical groups and using their melodies, compose beautiful hymns embodying orthodox doctrine. Ephrem became one of the first to introduce song into the Church's public worship as a means of instruction for the faithful. His many hymns have earned him the title “Harp of the Holy Spirit.” Ephrem preferred a simple, austere life, living in a small cave overlooking the city of Edessa. It was here that he died around 373. Reflection Many Catholics still find singing in church a problem, probably because of the rather individualistic piety that they inherited. Yet singing has been a tradition of both the Old and the New Testaments. It is an excellent way of expressing and creating a community spirit of unity as well as of joy. An ancient historian testifies that Ephrem's hymns “lent luster to the Christian assemblies.” We need some modern Ephrems—and cooperating singers—to do the same for our Christian assemblies today. Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media
Happy feast of St. Ephrem the Syrian! On today's show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Dr. Matthew Bunson to discuss this great theologian and poet of the early Church. Other guests include Fr. John Gavin to discuss St. Gregory the Great on sin, and Kevin Schmiesing with This Week in Catholic History. Plus news, weather, sports, and more...
Happy feast of St. Ephrem the Syrian! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Dr. Matthew Bunson to discuss this great theologian and poet of the early Church. Other guests include Fr. John Gavin to discuss St. Gregory the Great on sin, and Kevin Schmiesing with This Week in Catholic History. Plus news, weather, sports, and more… ***** From a Prayer of St. Ephrem of Syria O LORD, Master of my life, grant that I may not be infected with thespirit of slothfulness and inquisitiveness, with the spirit of ambition and vain talking. Grant instead to me, your servant, the spirit of purity and ofhumility, the spirit of patience and neighborly love. O Lord and King, grant me the grace of being aware of my sins and of not thinking evil of those of my brethren.For you are blessed, now and ever, and forever. Amen. ***** Dr. Benjamin Reinhard, author of The High Hallow: Tolkien’s Liturgical Imagination Full list of guestsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This is episode 427 of the Mobile Tech Podcast with guests Ephrem Chemaly (MediaTek), Todd Mozer (Sensory), and tech journalist Aura López -- brought to you by MediaTek. This episode comes in two parts. First, we explore how MediaTek is partnering with Sensory to define the future of AI-powered automotive innovation. Second (19:45), we review the Moto Razr Ultra (2025) and discuss Samsung's new Galaxy S25 Edge, Sony's Xperia 1 VII flagship, and Sony's WH-1000XM6 wireless ANC headphones. We then cover news, leaks, and rumors from Apple, Nothing, Realme, Nubia, MediaTek, and Qualcomm. Enjoy :)Episode Links- Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tnkgrl- Donate / buy me a coffee (PayPal): https://tnkgrl.com/tnkgrl/- MediaTek: http://www.poweredbymediatek.com/ (sponsor)- MediaTek AI-powered automotive innovation: https://www.mediatek.com/tek-talk-blogs/the-next-wave-of-ai-powered-automotive-innovation- Ephrem Chemaly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chemaly/- Todd Mozer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddmozer/- Aura López: https://www.threads.com/@auralopezp- My Moto Razr Ultra (2025) review: https://hothardware.com/reviews/motorola-razr-ultra-2025-review- Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0n2F6EWDmw- Sony Xperia 1 VII: https://www.theverge.com/news/665068/sony-xperia-1-vii-alpha-bravia-walkman-release-date-price-specs- Sony WH-1000XM6: https://www.theverge.com/hands-on/667017/sony-wh-1000xm6-hands-on- Apple CarPlay Ultra: https://www.theverge.com/news/667525/apple-carplay-ultra-aston-martin-launch- Apple all glass 20th anniversary iPhone rumors: https://www.gsmarena.com/more_details_about_apples_all_glass_iphone_emerge-news-67782.php- Nothing + KEF partnership: https://www.gsmarena.com/nothing_partners_up_with_kef_for_multiple_audio_products_coming_this_year-news-67764.php- Realme GT7 coming May 27 with 7000mAh battery: https://www.gsmarena.com/realme_gt_7_has_a_7000mah_battery_with_120w_charging_-news-67729.php- Nubia Z70S Ultra now global: https://www.gsmarena.com/nubia_z70s_ultra_reaches_international_markets_nubia_pad_pro_follows_next_month-news-67760.php- MediaTek Dimensity 9400e: https://www.gsmarena.com/mediatek_announces_dimensity_9400e_chipset_for_flagship_devices-news-67776.php- Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 4: https://hothardware.com/news/qualcomm-snapdragon-7-gen-4-midrange-phonesAffiliate Links (If you use these links to buy something, we might earn a commission)- Moto Razr Ultra (2025): https://amzn.to/4dkd3qi- Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: https://amzn.to/43et2TD- Sony WH-1000XM6: https://amzn.to/43x5IjT
In the twelfth episode of The CommonHealth Live! which falls during World Immunization Week, Katherine E. Bliss talks with Dr. Adam Ratner, a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Infectious Diseases and author of Booster Shots: The Urgent Lessons of Measles and the Uncertain Future of Children's Health, and Dr. Ephrem T. Lemango, Associate Director of Immunization at UNICEF, about measles outbreaks in the United States and abroad; how to bolster measles vaccination coverage in a period of reduced financing for domestic and global programs; and why routine immunization programs are critical to global health security.
Father Paul tells the story of a great fourth century teacher of the faith.
47 The chief priests therefore, and the Pharisees, gathered a council, and said: What do we, for this man doth many miracles?Collegerunt ergo pontifices et pharisaei concilium, et dicebant : Quid faciamus, quia hic homo multa signa facit? 48 If we let him alone so, all will believe in him; and the Romans will come, and take away our place and nation.Si dimittimus eum sic, omnes credent in eum, et venient Romani, et tollent nostrum locum, et gentem. 49 But one of them, named Caiphas, being the high priest that year, said to them: You know nothing.Unus autem ex ipsis, Caiphas nomine, cum esset pontifex anni illius, dixit eis : Vos nescitis quidquam, 50 Neither do you consider that it is expedient for you that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.nec cogitatis quia expedit vobis ut unus moriatur homo pro populo, et non tota gens pereat. 51 And this he spoke not of himself: but being the high priest of that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for the nation.Hoc autem a semetipso non dixit : sed cum esset pontifex anni illius, prophetavit, quod Jesus moriturus erat pro gente, 52 And not only for the nation, but to gather together in one the children of God, that were dispersed.et non tantum pro gente, sed ut filios Dei, qui erant dispersi, congregaret in unum. 53 From that day therefore they devised to put him to death.Ab illo ergo die cogitaverunt ut interficerent eum. 54 Wherefore Jesus walked no more openly among the Jews; but he went into a country near the desert, unto a city that is called Ephrem, and there he abode with his disciples.Jesus ergo jam non in palam ambulabat apud Judaeos, sed abiit in regionem juxta desertum, in civitatem quae dicitur Ephrem, et ibi morabatur cum discipulis suis.
PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ENCOUNTERED TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES WITH THE AUDIO IN THE RECORDING OF THIS EPISODE. AS A RESULT, IT DOES SOUND GLITCHY. WE APOLOGIZE. What is unique and distinctive about the Christian identity, perception of reality, and our experience of what it is to be a human being? How do we experience human sexuality and understand how it is shaped by the grace of God or how it can be distorted by sin or demonic provocation? If we are honest, we would have to say that it is the popular culture, modern psychology, and politics that shape our understanding of these things rather than an encounter with the living God. It is Christ who reveals to us what it is to be a human being made in the image and likeness of God. Beyond this, it is the Grace that comes to us through baptism, the Eucharist, and the gift of the Holy Spirit that shapes are perception of reality most fully. The ascetic life, driven by our desire for God, seeks to remove the impediments to our understanding what it is to be a human being and “fully alive.” We are not simply seeking psychological peace of mind or self understanding. Rather, we are seeking to understand the mystery of our existence and our dignity and destiny in Christ. These realities should sharpen and intensify our sensibilities and how we engage in our day-to-day life and relationships. The writings and actions of the desert fathers may seem distorted, masochistic or misogynistic. Yet, upon deeper reflection we discover they had a fuller experience and understanding of life. One Saint said: “HE who ceases to pray is no longer a human being.” In other words, when we turn away from God, we lose sight of ourselves and the truth. Our focus and our vision is turned downward, like animals, only seeing what is before us and what can be consumed or used to satisfy our own desires. The life and the writings of the fathers cry out to us saying: “See your dignity, O man. See your glory in Christ your Redeemer and embrace your true identity in Him.” --- Text of chat during the group: 00:11:32 Bob Čihák, AZ: P 220, paragraph starting "After these words...." 00:27:32 Sr. Charista Maria: So true Fr. Thank you for your vulnerable sharing regarding social media even if it's ministry; how important it is to be ever vigilant and conscienceous 00:36:27 Anthony: There are some special considerations regarding Arsenius. He fled imperial Rome to enter the Desert. And, he might have in mind the role women played in puffing up Arius. 00:44:39 Julie: This can be both ways. 00:44:55 Julie: For a women 00:49:09 Maureen Cunningham: Was this because it is the early church. And it would have never lasted all these years. 00:49:18 Maureen Cunningham: Had they compromised 00:52:46 Kate : I don't know if this is the proper use of the word “gluttony”, but curiosity seems to lead to a certain kind of gluttony for information. 00:53:22 Nypaver Clan: Reacted to "I don't know if this..." with
Short but mighty, brief but powerful, the Prayer of St. Ephrem is the official prayer of the Great Fast in the Byzantine Catholic Church exposing our demons yet pointing to virtues.
Ephrem the Syrian, a significant fourth-century Christian figure, was a prolific theologian and hymnographer known as a saint in many Christian traditions. Born in Nisibis, he served as a teacher and deacon, composing numerous influential hymns in Aramaic to defend orthodox beliefs. He founded the School of Nisibis and later moved to Edessa, leaving a lasting legacy through his theologically rich and poetically beautiful writings, some of which remain part of modern liturgies, particularly within Syriac and Eastern Christian practices. His works, including Hymns on Paradise and Hymns on the Nativity, showcase his mastery and continue to be venerated for their literary and spiritual value. for more in depth online courses check www.twinsbiblicalacademy.com
St. Ephrem and St. John Chrysostom on working out our salvation with fear and trembling
I would consider today's guest, Kate, a born caregiver. I could sense her caring spirit immediately. Before losing her 12-year-old son, Ephrem, Kate worked as a birth doula and was in training to be a midwife. She loved supporting new young parents as they welcomed their new babies into the world. After Ephrem died suddenly from complications from an aortic dissection, Kate no longer felt like she could continue working as a birth doula so she became a home health aide. One evening, Kate was assigned to be with an elderly man who was nearing the end of his life. Instead of offering support as a family welcomed new life, she sat with them as they prepared to say goodbye. Kate realized something that night - Ephrem's death had unveiled a new calling for her. She knew that hospice work was now what she was meant to do. Instead of supporting families as life entered the world, Kate would help people and their families at the end of life. But hospice work was not Kate's only new calling. After Ephrem's death, Kate attended Luella's Lodge (a place near and dear to my own heart) for a retreat for bereaved parents. Kate found herself signing up for retreat after retreat. Each one gave her more strength. During one such retreat, Kate sat down with Carrie, co-founder of Luella's Lodge asking what she thought of the idea of Kate starting her own retreat center, fashioning it after Luella's Lodge. Carrie was thrilled. Kate and her husband founded The Beekeeper's Well to offer support to bereaved families. Kate's dream is to eventually have a physical retreat center for bereaved parents in Southeast Michigan, but that will take time. For now, Kate offers weekly Sunday night drop-in Zoom support groups as well as grief coaching. Kate also hosts 'Home Retreats' anywhere in the US or Canada. These retreats are meant for smaller groups. Kate goes to a home (or often a weekend rental) and brings the retreat center experience to the bereaved. Kate finds local experts in yoga, breath work, massage, and other healing modalities and brings the magic of a grief retreat to grieving parents wherever they need it.
This research paper analyzes "The Discourse on the End of the World," a text attributed to Ephrem the Syrian, exploring its historical and cultural context in 4th-century Syria. The study examines the text's linguistic features, blending Syriac and Greek influences, and its literary style, combining sermon structure with poetic and hymnic elements. The paper further investigates the text's integration of biblical and apocalyptic traditions, its manuscript history and transmission, and the ongoing scholarly debate surrounding its authenticity. Finally, it highlights the text's cultural-linguistic significance as a reflection of early Syriac Christianity's apocalyptic imagination and pastoral concerns. For more online courses: www.twinsbiblicalacademy.com
St. Ephrem the Syrian, a 4th-century deacon and prolific writer, is celebrated for his hymns and theological works in Syriac, a dialect of Aramaic. His compositions, often referred to as “spiritual treasures,” explore central Christian themes like the Trinity, Christology, and the sacraments, while combating heresies. His poetic style, using imagery like light and darkness, fire and water, effectively communicates complex theological ideas. Declared a Doctor of the Church, Ephrem's legacy continues to impact both Eastern and Western Christianity, his hymns remaining integral to Syriac liturgical traditions. The provided text offers an overview of his life, works, and a detailed linguistic and theological analysis of a Nativity hymn, showcasing his mastery of Syriac and his profound theological insights. www.twinstours.com/academy
SHOW NOTES:Deuteronomy 10:17-18, Luke 16:19-31, Acts 10:34-35, Romans 2:11, 1 Corinthians 12:20-26, James 2:1-5"If you are angry at your neighbor, you are angry at God... Honor your neighbor and you have honored God." - St. Ephrem the Syrian"The soul cannot live without love. We can never love our neighbor too much.” - St. Francis de Sales"Next to the Blessed Sacrament itself, your neighbor is the holiest object presented to your senses.” - C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory
Today is Tuesday, July 9, 2024, a Feria, a 4th class feast, with the color of green. In this episode: The meditation: “The Salt of the Earth,” news from FSSPX.News: “A New Letter from Bishop Strickland,” and a thought from Abp. Lefebvre We'd love your feedback on these Daily Devotionals! What do you like / not like, and what would you like us to add? podcast@sspx.org Sources Used Today: Practical Meditations (Angelus Press) - - - - - - - - - - - “A New Letter from Bishop Strickland” (FSSPX.news) https://fsspx.news/en/news/new-letter-bishop-strickland-46212 - - - - - - - - - - - The Spiritual Life - Archbishop Lefebvre (Angelus Press) Please Support this Apostolate with 1-time or Monthly Donation >> Explore more: Subscribe to the email version of this Devotional - it's a perfect companion! Subscribe to this Podcast to receive this and all our audio episodes Subscribe to the SSPX YouTube channel for video versions of our podcast series and Sermons FSSPX News Website: https://fsspx.news Visit the US District website: https://sspx.org/ What is the SSPX Podcast? The SSPX Podcast is produced by Angelus Press, which has as its mission the fortification of traditional Catholics so that they can defend the Faith, and reaching out to those who have not yet found Tradition. What is the SSPX? The main goal of the Society of Saint Pius X is to preserve the Catholic Faith in its fullness and purity, to teach its truths, and to diffuse its virtues, especially through the Roman Catholic priesthood. Authentic spiritual life, the sacraments, and the traditional liturgy are its primary means of bringing this life of grace to souls. Although the traditional Latin Mass is the most visible and public expression of the work of the Society, we are committed to defending Catholic Tradition in its entirety: all of Catholic doctrine and morals as the Church has always defended them. What people need is the Catholic Faith, without compromise, with all the truth and beauty which accompanies it. https://sspx.org
Today is Tuesday, June 18, 2024, The feast of St. Ephrem the Syrian, Deacon, Confessor and Doctor of the Church, a third class feast, with the liturgical color of white. In this episode: the meditation, ”Sources of Temptation,” news from FSSPX.News:“Syro-Malabar Church on the Brink of Schism?” and a Thought of the Day from Archbishop Lefebvre. We'd love your feedback on these Daily Devotionals! What do you like / not like, and what would you like us to add? podcast@sspx.org - - - - - - - - - - - Sources Used Today: India: Syro-Malabar Church on the Brink of Schism?– FSSPX.news https://fsspx.news/en/news/india-syro-malabar-church-brink-schism-45653 Thought for the Day- Archbishop Lefebvre (Angelus Press) Practical Meditations- (Angelus Press) - - - - - - - - - - - Please Support this Apostolate with 1-time or Monthly Donation >> - - - - - - - - - - - Explore more: Subscribe to the email version of this Devotional - it's a perfect companion! Subscribe to this Podcast to receive this and all our audio episodes Subscribe to the SSPX YouTube channel for video versions of our podcast series and Sermons FSSPX News Website: https://fsspx.news Visit the US District website: https://sspx.org/ - - - - - - - - - - - What is the SSPX Podcast? The SSPX Podcast is produced by Angelus Press, which has as its mission the fortification of traditional Catholics so that they can defend the Faith, and reaching out to those who have not yet found Tradition. - - - - - - - - - - - What is the SSPX? The main goal of the Society of Saint Pius X is to preserve the Catholic Faith in its fullness and purity, to teach its truths, and to diffuse its virtues, especially through the Roman Catholic priesthood. Authentic spiritual life, the sacraments, and the traditional liturgy are its primary means of bringing this life of grace to souls. Although the traditional Latin Mass is the most visible and public expression of the work of the Society, we are committed to defending Catholic Tradition in its entirety: all of Catholic doctrine and morals as the Church has always defended them. What people need is the Catholic Faith, without compromise, with all the truth and beauty which accompanies it. https://sspx.org
Morning Prayer for Monday, June 10, 2024 (Proper 5; Ephrem of Edessa, Deacon and Teacher of the Faith, 373). Psalm and Scripture readings (60-day Psalter): Psalms 99-101 Joshua 8:1-22, 30-35 Luke 22:39-53 Click here to access the text for the Daily Office at DailyOffice2019.com. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dailyofficepodcast/support
Evening Prayer for Monday, June 10, 2024 (Eve of Barnabas the Apostle; Proper 5; Ephrem of Edessa, Deacon and Teacher of the Faith, 373). Psalm and Scripture readings (60-day Psalter): Psalm 102 Ezekiel 15 Acts 12:25-13:12 Click here to access the text for the Daily Office at DailyOffice2019.com. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dailyofficepodcast/support
Born: 306 AD, Nisibis, Turkey Died: June 9, 373 AD, Edessa, Turkey Full name: Ephrem of Nisibis From Vatican.va, an excerpt from the teachings of Pope Benedict XVI General Audience 2007: The figure of Ephrem is still absolutely timely for the life of the various Christian Churches. We discover him in the first place as a theologian who reflects poetically, on the basis of Holy Scripture, on the mystery of man's redemption brought about by Christ, the Word of God incarnate. His is a theological reflection expressed in images and symbols taken from nature, daily life and the Bible. Ephrem gives his poetry and liturgical hymns a didactic and catechetical character: they are theological hymns yet at the same time suitable for recitation or liturgical song. On the occasion of liturgical feasts, Ephrem made use of these hymns to spread Church doctrine. Time has proven them to be an extremely effective catechetical instrument for the Christian community. Ephrem's reflection on the theme of God the Creator is important: nothing in creation is isolated and the world, next to Sacred Scripture, is a Bible of God. By using his freedom wrongly, man upsets the cosmic order. The role of women was important to Ephrem. The way he spoke of them was always inspired with sensitivity and respect: the dwelling place of Jesus in Mary's womb greatly increased women's dignity. Ephrem held that just as there is no Redemption without Jesus, there is no Incarnation without Mary. The divine and human dimensions of the mystery of our redemption can already be found in Ephrem's texts; poetically and with fundamentally scriptural images, he anticipated the theological background and in some way the very language of the great Christological definitions of the fifth-century Councils. Ephrem, honoured by Christian tradition with the title "Harp of the Holy Spirit", remained a deacon of the Church throughout his life. It was a crucial and emblematic decision: he was a deacon, a servant, in his liturgical ministry, and more radically, in his love for Christ, whose praises he sang in an unparalleled way, and also in his love for his brethren, whom he introduced with rare skill to the knowledge of divine Revelation. For more visit Vatican.va The post St. Ephrem of Syria – The Doctors of the Church: The Charism of Wisdom with Dr. Matthew Bunson – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
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