Book Reviews		Hymns on Paradise. St. Ephrem the Syrian, St. Vladimir's Seminary Press, 1997.				Mark Merlino - Home page
In "Hymns on Paradise" Sebastian Brock has skillfully introduced and translated a selection of writings by Saint Ephrem, the greatest of the early Syrian fathers of the church - including fifteen of Ephrem's Hymns on paradise and Ephrem's commentary on the opening chapters of the book of Genesis. Since Saint Ephrem came from the Syriac Christian tradition, his style and way of expressing himself are very different from the Greek and Latin Fathers of the Church. In spite of the differences, his poetic and less philosophical approach beautifully compliments other patristic writers. Above all, Saint Ephrem's holistic method of interpreting the Bible is very refreshing, deeply insightful and thoroughly enjoyable. In this book, Sebastian Brock has also provided a very detailed introduction and excellent explanatory notes, making it enjoyable both for those new to Saint Ephrem and those already familiar with him. I would highly recommend this book. Learn why this Deacon of Edessa became known as the Harp of the Spirit and was proclaimed by Pope Benedixt XV as a Doctor of the Church.
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