Illuminated Syriac Bible

To praise God who gave us
strength to speak about the history
of the holy Mar Ephrem. And about
these which happened in his time.
And about these which were written in this book.
And when we saw that they are many
those who desire to know about
his life and about his teaching.
We took pains to write for you
briefly. So that may not be interrupted
the mind of the reader. And may it be
for them for an aid and for edification.
And now we begin by the help of our Lord.
In the history of the holy Mar Ephrem.
Who was a light to the whole church.
And a teacher perfected for all
the believers. And he was
from the region of the city of Nisibis.
And his parents were believers.
And he grew up in the fear of God.
And he was filled with wisdom and knowledge.
And he became like a light that illuminates
all human beings. And when
he saw that they are many the error
and contention in the church. He stood in the power
of the Holy Spirit. And he taught
and refuted all the heretics.
And his teaching was accepted in the whole
earth. And he had a good name
in every place. And when he rested
from these lives. He left for us
many books that are filled with wisdom.
That they may be for us for a guide.
And for all those who love
the truth. And his prayer may be
with us amen.

And again when he was
in the city of Nisibis. He went out
from it and went to Edessa.
And when he arrived at the river that is near
to the city. He saw women who were washing
clothes. And one of them looked
at him intently. And he said to her.
You woman. Why
are you looking at me like this.
And she said to him. That I am from you
and you are from the earth. And it is right for you
to look at the earth from which
you were created. And he marveled at her word.
And said that if the women of Edessa
are so wise. How much more so
the men of it. And he entered into the city.
And he found there a man
whose name was Bardaisan A famous Gnostic philosopher/heretic whom Ephrem countered.. Who was
a teacher of error.
And he contended with him and overcame him.
And destroyed all his teaching.
And he was there for a long time.
And he taught many. And he brought
them to the faith of the truth.
And when he heard about Mar Basil Basil the Great of Caesarea.
of Caesarea. He desired to see him.
And he went to him. And when they saw
one another. They rejoiced much.
And said Mar Basil.
That this is Ephrem the light
of the East. And they were filled with joy.
And they spoke with each other words
spiritual. And they were blessed by
each other. And again he returned to Edessa.
And how many wonders and powers
did God by his hands.
And when drew near to him the time to go out
from this world. He called
his disciples and commanded them.
That they should be in peace and love
among them. And they should be diligent
in prayer and in fasting.

To praise God all the
days of their lives. And when
he said these things. He rested
in peace. And he was buried with honor
great. And all the sons of
the city wept over him.
And they said that we have lost a light
and a teacher of truth. And his prayer
may be a wall for us. And for the whole
holy church. Amen.
And again when he was
in the mountain of Edessa. He saw
in a vision of the night. That as if
there went out from his tongue a vine
one. And it climbed up until the sky.
And it made fruits many.
And all the birds of the sky
were coming and eating from it.
And as much as they were eating. More
many were its fruits.
And was interpreted this vision.
That this is the teaching of the holy one.
That illuminates all the sons of
men. And teaches them
the path of the truth. And when
people heard about the life
of the holy one. They were coming from
every place to hear his word.
And he was receiving them
with joy. And was teaching
them the fear of God.
And there was there a man one
who was a believer.
And said to him to the holy one.
That I desire that I may be for you
a disciple. And said to him
the holy one. That if you desire
that you may be a disciple of truth.
Leave everything that you have.
And come after me. And that man
did so. And he became for him
a disciple diligent. And he taught him
all the teaching of the truth.
And there was for them an aid
in all their labors.
And God who strengthens them.
May he strengthen also us by their prayers.