Page "Ephrem the Syrian" Paragraph 20

Soon after Ephrem's death, legendary accounts of his life began to circulate.

One of the earlier " modifications " is the statement that Ephrem's father was a pagan priest of Abnil or Abizal.

However, internal evidence from his authentic writings suggest that he was raised by Christian parents.

This legend may be anti-pagan polemic or reflect his father's status prior to converting to Christianity.