Commentary on

Genesis

by our Father among the Saints,

Ephraim the Syrian
The creation of the sun, moon, and stars (lights in the firmament of the heavens) on the
fourth day of creation (Gen. 1:14). (The plants are shown to have been already created on
the third day.) Detail of a fresco at Suchevitsa Monastery, Moldavia, Romania, sixteenth
century.
The Troparion and Kontakion to Saint Ephraim the Syrian

Troparion in Tone 8
By a flood of tears you made the desert fertile,
and your longing for God brought forth fruits in abundance.
By the radiance of miracles you illumined the whole universe!
Our Father Ephraim, pray to Christ God to save our souls!

Kontakion in Tone 2
Ever anticipating the hour of Judgment,
you lamented bitterly, venerable Ephraim.
Through your deeds you were a teacher by example;
therefore, universal Father, you rouse the slothful to repentance.
 The End

Glory to God for all things!