Ephriam the Syrian-One saint whose holiness is recognized by every sector of Christendom is St. Ephriam the Syrian. Born in Syria in 306 A.D., this unheralded and relatively unknown saint left a legacy of prose and lyrical hymns which are treasured by the Orthodox Church. His prayers and hymns are as much a part of worship as the icons are themselves. It is said that his father was a pagan priest but did not object when Ephriam?s mother embraced Christianity and raised their son as a Christian.