St. Ephraim the Syrian
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After a youth characterized by impetuousness and rebellion, St. Ephraim repented and pursued a life of repentance and asceticism. Seeking the life of a hermit, St. Ephraim came under the obedience of St. James of Nisibis. There his gifts for teaching were used to instruct children and preach sermons. He attended the First Ecumenical Council with St. James, and stayed with St. James until his death. He later joined a monastery in Edessa, spending his time in asceticism, writing and instructing others in repentance and piety. Many of his prayers are still used in the Church today, particularly his famous prayer of repentance recited throughout Lent. He was sought out to be a priest and a bishop within the Church, and yet never thought himself worthy of the honor, and only consented to be ordained a deacon.
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