The Deacon's Bench
We salute him today, his feast day, over at the CNEWA blog, One-to-One:
An aspect of Ephrem’s unusual personality is evident in the fact that, although ordained a deacon, he never became a priest — avoiding consecration by feigning madness. Although no certain explanation can be found for this behavior, some biographers believe it was due to a feeling of unworthiness.
And there is this, a celebrated prayer familiar to many Orthodox:
O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, despair, lust of power, and idle talk.
But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience, and love to Thy servant.
Yea, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own transgressions, and not to judge my brother, for blessed art Thou, unto ages of ages. Amen.
St. Ephrem, pray for us!
Photo via CNEWA / Wikipedia
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In