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Hymns and Homilies

St Ephrem the Syrian, tr. Burgess, 1853

9. Hymn 9: On the Death of a Deacon

Behold! our member is departed
From this troubled world,
To that tranquil light;
On his departure let us pray:—
That his Guide may have mercy on him!

Well disciplined in public duties
He was chaste in private life,
In gentleness and peace
He abounded towards his brethren:—
Make him happy in Thy tabernacle!

His eyes were watchful
In standing before Thee;
And they wept in prayer,
And made entreaty for his sins:—
May they see Thy loving-kindness!

Thou didst count him worthy
To minister in Thy sanctuary,
And to distribute Thy body
And Thy blood to Thy flock:—
Nourish him with Thy lambs!

He was cheerful, and full
Of affection to his brethren;
And his hospitality
Was fervent in its tenderness:
Number him with Thy beloved ones!

He loved to proclaim
The words of Thy doctrine,
And delighted to listen to
The utterances of the Spirit:—
Let him hear the sound of the trumpet!

He wondered at and admired
The riches of Thy oracles;
And his heart exulted
In the words of the Holy Ghost:—
Unite him with Thy glorified ones!

He despised worldly pleasures
And slighted ease;
Let him rest at Thy table—
Let him find enjoyment in Thy light—
With the upright who have loved Thee!