Saint · 306
Ephraim the Wonderworker
Venerable Ephraim the Wonderworker, Abbot of Novy Torg
New Calendar January 28 Old Calendar February 10
Why they are a saint
He is often called “The Harp of the Holy Spirit” for the sublimity of his writings. He was born in Nisibis of Mesopotamia about the year 306. He embraced the Christian faith while young and for this was driven from his home by his father, a pagan priest. Venerated as a monastic saint, honored for a life of prayer and asceticism.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Ephraim the Wonderworker as a patron when they bear the name Ephraim at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on January 28. As a monastic, he is also asked for help in prayer, fasting, and repentance.
Prayer
O holy Ephraim the Wonderworker, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.