Originally from Amid on the banks of the Tigris, he was the governor of the East. He was forced to intervene in the political affairs of Antioch in 525 to put an end to a violent dispute that had broken out between two parties known at that time as the Greens and the Blues.

Because Ephrem had wise positions in solving problems, people looked at him as a savior sent by God. Especially after Antioch was struck by an earthquake in 526 AD when its houses, public buildings and churches were destroyed and its bishop, Efrasius, died under the rubble. Ephrem came again to help it rise from its ruins. People clung to him and saw in him a worthy successor to their deceased bishop, so he was ordained bishop of Antioch in April or May of 527 AD.

Ephrem was a faithful Orthodox man, knowledgeable in the divine sciences, and an author. He defended Orthodoxy vehemently against the Monophysites. It is reported that he pursued its leaders and traveled here and there to convince the hesitant to accept the decisions of the Council of Chalcedon.

The venerable father Ephrem passed away in peace in the Lord in the year 545 or 546 AD, after having shepherded his people for eighteen years, during which he restored Antioch to its greatness.

The Church celebrates his feast on March 7 and June 8.

Troparia in the fourth tune and in the eighth tune
You appeared, O God-talker Ephraim, a guide to the right faith and a teacher of good worship and purity, O star of the world and beauty of the wise high priests, and with your teaching you enlightened all, O instrument of the Spirit, so intercede with Christ God to save our souls.