The saint library

Saint Ephraim of Cherson

Bishop and martyr
Cherson and Scythia · early 4th century
Feast day: March 7

Icon: Ephraim, Elpidius, Eugene, Basileus, Capito, Aetherius and Agathodorus, bishops of Cherson. Image source: Holy Metropolis of Oropos and Phyle — Iconological Synaxarion

A life of faith

Ephraim was a bishop sent with Basileus by Ermon of Jerusalem to preach in Cherson, in the Crimea. Basileus remained in Cherson, while Ephraim continued into Scythia, where he labored in Christian preaching and suffered martyrdom. He is commemorated with the seven bishops associated with the Cherson mission. The Romanian calendar also commemorates him as Ephraim, Bishop of Tomis.

The Eastern Orthodox Church remembers saints in prayer and commemoration. Their lives offer examples for Christians learning to live their faith.

A reflection

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