St. Ephrem is the reason we have hymns during Mass, as he introduced the idea of sacred hymnody to the liturgy in the 4th century.
St. Ephrem used his poetic gift to preach against the heresies of his
day. Using the songs of heretical groups and writing orthodox Christian words for those melodies, he became one of the first to introduce singing into the public worship of the Church. His songs became a means to teach doctrine to people who had no formal education. St. Ephrem was also a deacon who served by helping to distribute to the poor the donations of the wealthy during a famine in 373. Clearly, here was a good steward who used his gifts of time and talent in the service of others.