Venerable Ephraim (1238) of Smolensk
Commemorated August 21
The favorite disciple of Ven. Abramius of Smolensk and a fervent imitator of the virtues of his instructor: meekness, humility and love for neighbor, he died in about the year 1238.
Troparion
In thee, O father, was manifestly preserved what is in the image of God, for having taken up thy cross, thou didst follow Christ, and by thine own example hast taught that the flesh is to be despised as transient, but that particular care should be bestowed on the soul, as a thing immortal; wherefore, together with the angels, rejoiceth also thine, O holy Ephraim, spirit.
Kontakion
Having divinely armed thyself with the purity of thy soul and unceasing prayers firmly grasping as a spear, thou, our father Ephraim, hast pierced the armies of the demon; supplicate unceasingly for us all.
Source: Crkveni Kalendar
