The miraculous life of St. Mary of Egypt: who is it and how does it help. Venerable Mary of Egypt

Complete collection and description: how the prayer of Mary of Egypt helps for the spiritual life of a believer.

Commemoration: April 1/14, 5th Sunday of Great Lent

She spent her youth in Alexandria, drowning in debauchery. The bailiff of pilgrims traveling to worship shrines in Jerusalem was not allowed into the Church of the Resurrection by Divine power. Having repented and bitterly mourned her sin, she retired to the desert, where she remained alone in hardship, fasting and prayer for almost 50 years. Through severe deeds and repentance, St. Mary completely eradicated all sinful desires in herself and made her heart a pure vessel of the Holy Spirit. Helper in the battle against fornication, mentor in chastity and abstinence, giver of repentant feelings.

Troparion of Venerable Mary of Egypt, tone 8

In you, mother, it is known that you were saved in the image, having accepted the cross, you followed Christ, and in action you taught to despise the flesh, which passes away; In the same way, the Angels also rejoice, O Reverend Mary, Your spirit.

Kontakion of St. Mary of Egypt, tone 3

First filled with all sorts of fornications, the bride of Christ has now appeared in repentance, imitating the angelic life, destroying the demons of the Cross with weapons. For the sake of the Kingdom, the bride appeared to you, O glorious Mary.

Kontakion, tone 8

First filled with all sorts of fornications, the bride of Christ has now appeared in repentance, imitating the angelic life, destroying the demon of the cross with weapons. For the sake of the Kingdom, the bride appeared to you, O glorious Mary.

First prayer to Venerable Mary of Egypt

O great saint of Christ, Venerable Mary! Those who stand before the Throne of God in Heaven, but who are with us in the spirit of love on earth, who have boldness towards the Lord, pray to save His servants, who flow to you with love. Ask us from the Most Merciful Master and Lord of faith for immaculate observance of our cities and villages, for the confirmation of our cities and villages, for deliverance from famine and destruction, for those who mourn - consolation, for the sick - healing, for the fallen - rebellion, for the erring - strengthening, prosperity and blessing in good deeds, for orphans and widows - intercession and eternal rest for those who have departed from this life, but on the day of the Last Judgment, we will all be at the right hand of the country and hear the blessed voice of the Judge of the world: come, blessed of My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world, and receive your abode there forever. Amen.

Second prayer to Venerable Mary of Egypt

O great saint of Christ, Venerable Mother Mary! Hear the unworthy prayer of us sinners ( names), deliver us, reverend mother, from the passions that war on our souls, from all sadness and adversity, from sudden death and from all evil, at the hour of separation of soul and body, cast away, holy saint, every evil thought and evil demons, for may our souls be received in peace into a place of light by Christ, the Lord our God, for from Him is the cleansing of sins, and He is the salvation of our souls, and to Him belongs all glory, honor and worship with the Father and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.

Akathist to St. Mary of Egypt:

Canon of St. Mary of Egypt:

Hagiographic and scientific-historical literature about the Venerable Mary of Egypt:

• The Life of Mary of Egypt, a former harlot who labored honestly in the Jordan Desert– Patrologia graeca
• Sermon for the Week of Mary of Egypt– Archpriest Evgeny Voronkov

Read other prayers in the "Orthodox Prayer Book" section

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Mary of Egypt. Icon and brief history of earthly life

Among the holy icons looking at us from the walls of Orthodox churches, there is one on which the gaze involuntarily stops. It depicts the figure of a woman. Her thin, emaciated body is wrapped in an old cloak. The woman’s dark, almost tanned skin is scorched by the desert sun. In her hands is a cross made of dry reed stalks. This is the greatest Christian saint, who became a symbol of repentance - the Venerable Mary of Egypt. The icon conveys to us its strict, ascetic features.

The Sinful Life of Young Mary

The holy elder Zosima told the world about the life and exploits of the saint. By the will of God, he met her in the depths of the desert, where he himself went to spend the Great Pentecost, far from the world, in fasting and prayer. There, on the sun-scorched land, Saint Mary of Egypt was revealed to him. The icon of the saint often depicts this meeting. She confessed to him, telling the amazing story of her life.

She was born at the end of the 5th century in Egypt. But it just so happened that in her youth Mary was far from unquestioningly observing the commandments of God. Moreover, unbridled passions and the absence of intelligent and pious mentors turned the young girl into a vessel of sin. She was only twelve years old when, having left her parents' home in Alexandria, she found herself left to her own devices in a world full of vice and temptations. And the harmful consequences were not long in coming.

Very soon Maria indulged in unbridled debauchery. The goal of her life was to seduce and involve as many men as possible into destructive sin. By her own admission, she never took money from them. On the contrary, Maria earned her living by honest work. Debauchery was not her source of income - it was the meaning of her life. This went on for 17 years.

A turning point in Maria's life

But then one day an event occurred that radically changed the entire lifestyle of the young sinner. The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross was approaching, and a large number of pilgrims were leaving Egypt for Jerusalem. Their path lay along the sea. Mary, among the others, boarded the ship, but not in order to venerate the Life-Giving Tree in the holy land, but so that during the long sea voyage she could indulge in debauchery with bored men. So she ended up in the holy city.

In the temple, Mary mingled with the crowd and, together with other pilgrims, began to move towards the shrine, when suddenly an unknown force blocked her path and threw her back. The sinner tried again, but the same thing happened every time. Finally realizing that it was Divine power that was preventing her from entering the temple for her sins, Mary was filled with the deepest repentance, beat herself on the chest with her hands and in tears prayed for forgiveness in front of the icon of the Mother of God, which she saw in front of her. Her prayer was heard, and the Most Holy Theotokos showed the girl the way to her salvation: Mary had to cross to the other side of the Jordan and retire into the desert for repentance and knowledge of God.

Life in the desert

From that time on, Mary died to the world. Retiring into the desert, she led a very difficult ascetic life. Thus, from a former libertine, the Venerable Mary of Egypt was born. The icon usually represents her precisely during the years of deprivation and hardship of hermit life. The insignificant supply of bread she had taken with her soon ran out, and the saint ate roots and what she could find in the sun-dry desert. Her clothes eventually decayed on her, and she remained naked. Mary suffered torment from the heat and cold. So forty-seven years passed.

One day in the desert she met an old monk who had retired from the world for a while for prayer and fasting. This was a hieromonk, that is, a minister with the rank of priest. Covering her nakedness, Mary confessed to him, telling the story of her fall and repentance. This monk was the same Zosima who told the world about her life. Years later, he himself will be counted among the saints.

Zosima told the brethren of his monastery about the foresight of Saint Mary, about her ability to see the future. The years spent in repentant prayer transformed not only the soul, but also the body. Mary of Egypt, whose icon represents her walking on water, acquired properties similar to those of the flesh of the risen Christ. She could actually walk on water and during prayer she rose one elbow above the ground.

Communion of the Holy Gifts

Zosima, at Mary’s request, met with her a year later, bringing with him the pre-sanctified Holy Gifts and gave her communion. This is the only time that Saint Mary of Egypt tasted the Body and Blood of the Lord. The icon, the photo of which is in front of you, depicts just this moment. When they parted, she asked to come to her in the desert in five years.

Saint Zosima fulfilled her request, but when he came, he found only her lifeless body. He wanted to bury her remains, but the hard and rocky soil of the desert did not yield to his senile hands. Then the Lord showed a miracle - a lion came to the aid of the saint. The wild beast dug a grave with its paws, where the relics of the righteous woman were lowered. Another icon of Mary of Egypt (the photo was taken from her) completes the article. This is the episode of mourning and burial of the saint.

The infinity of God's mercy

The mercy of the Lord is all-encompassing. There is no sin that could surpass His love for people. It is not for nothing that the Lord is called the Good Shepherd. No lost sheep will be left to perish.

Heavenly Father will do everything to turn her onto the true path. All that matters is the desire to cleanse yourself and deep repentance. Christianity provides many such examples. The most striking among them are Mary Magdalene, the Prudent Thief and, of course, Mary of Egypt, whose icon, prayer, and life showed many the path from the darkness of sin to the light of righteousness.

How does the prayer of Mary of Egypt help?

and on Sunday (Sunday) 5th of Lent.

The Venerable Mary was born in Egypt. In the twelfth year of her life, she fled from her parental home to the city of Alexandria, where she indulged in unrestrained and insatiable fornication and earned shameful fame for the extreme debauchery of her life. This went on for 17 years, and it seemed that all hope of saving the sinner was lost. But the Lord did not turn His mercy away from her.

By this time, all of Mary’s clothes had decayed, but the elder covered her with his cloak. The ascetic told him her whole life, asking him not to tell anyone about it and to come to her a year later on Maundy Thursday with the Holy Gifts so that she could receive communion. The next year, fulfilling Mary’s request, Elder Zosima took the Holy Gifts and went to the Jordan. On the other bank, he saw Mary, who, approaching the river, made the sign of the cross over the water and calmly walked along it. The elder looked with reverent awe at the saint walking on the water. Coming ashore, Mary bowed before the elder and asked for his blessing. Then she listened to “I Believe” and “Our Father,” took communion of the Mysteries of Christ and said: “Now do You let Your servant go in peace, according to Your word!” Then she asked Zosima to fulfill her last request: to come in a year to the place where he met her for the first time. A year later, the elder again went to the place where Mary was saved, but found her there already deceased. She lay on the ground, folding her hands as if in prayer, and turning her face to the East. Next to her in the sand was inscribed: “Father Zosima, bury the body of the humble Mary, who died on April 1. Return ashes to ashes." With tears and prayers, the elder buried the great ascetic and returned to the monastery, where he told the monks and the abbot everything that he had heard from the monk. Maria.

"On the life of Orthodox saints,

icons and holidays"

(according to Church tradition).

Compiled by O.A. Popova.

Prayers of the Holy Venerable Mary of Egypt

O great saint of Christ, Venerable Mother Mary! Hear the unworthy prayer of us sinners (names), deliver us, reverend mother, from the passions that war on our souls, from all sadness and adversity, from sudden death and from all evil, at the hour of separation of the soul from the body, cast away, holy saint , every evil thought and crafty demons, for may our souls be received in peace into a place of light by Christ the Lord our God, for from Him is the cleansing of sins, and He is the salvation of our souls, to Him belongs all glory, honor and worship, with the Father and the Holy Spirit , now and ever and unto ages of ages.

O great saint of Christ, Saint Mary! Standing before the Throne of God in Heaven, and abiding with us in the spirit of love on earth, having boldness towards the Lord, pray to save His servants, who flow to you with love. Ask us from the Most Merciful Master and Lord of faith for immaculate observance of our cities and villages, for the confirmation of our cities and villages, for deliverance from famine and destruction, for the afflicted, for consolation, for the sick - healing, for the fallen - rebellion, for the lost - strengthening, in good deeds prosperity and blessing, for orphans and widows - intercession and for those who have departed from this life - eternal rest, but on the day of the Last Judgment, we will all be at the right hand of the country and hear the blessed voice of My Judge: come, blessed of My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world, and receive your abode there forever. Amen.

O great saint of Christ, Venerable Mother Mary! Hear the unworthy prayer of us sinners. The image of repentance was given to us, Mary, with your warm tenderness return victory, Having acquired the Intercessor of the Mother of God Mary, pray for us with Neuzhe.

Oh, Reverend Mother Mary, warm prayer book for those who call upon you, strengthening those who are exhausted in battle, quickly encouraging those who are discouraged. In troubles and sorrows, a gracious helper to us, a quick and wonderful healer to the suffering, as if by your help the machinations of the enemy are crushed. Reverend Mother Mary, miracle of God’s mercy, giver of all good things from the Lord to us, pray to Him for the servant of God, a seriously ill baby (baby’s name). Amen.

In you, mother, it is known that you were saved in the image: having accepted the cross, you followed Christ, and having taught you to despise the flesh, it passes away: but be diligent about the soul, things more immortal: in the same way, the angels rejoice, O Reverend Mary, your spirit.

The bride of Christ is first filled with all sorts of fornications, now appearing in repentance, and destroys the angelic life imitating the demons of the Cross with weapons. For the sake of the Kingdom, the bride appeared to you, O glorious Mary.

The texts of the prayers were found on the Internet.

Prayer of St. Mary of Egypt

Prayer of St. Mary of Egypt

Born in Egypt, Mary left her family at a young age and went to Alexandria, where she spent 17 years indulging in the sin of fornication. At the same time, quenching her carnal lust, the woman did not take money from anyone - she provided her modest income by spinning wool.

One day her attention was attracted by crowds of people setting off on a ship to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Driven by lustful thoughts, Mary boarded this ship and arrived in Jerusalem, spending the entire time before the holiday in sinful deeds. When she tried to enter the temple during the festive service, an unknown force prevented her and threw her away from the entrance. Then Mary realized that her grave sins were preventing her from approaching the Life-Giving Tree, and she burst into tears and began to ask the Most Holy Theotokos for help in repentance. And her prayer was heard - when the harlot tried to enter the temple again, nothing stopped her.

In an effort to receive forgiveness, Mary, following the command of the Heavenly Voice, went beyond the Jordan into the desert. Suffering from thirst, hunger, cold and heat, tempted by lustful thoughts, she spent many years in the desert and, having received forgiveness from the Lord, died there.

Venerable Mary of Egypt

Saint Mary of Egypt is prayed for protection from the sin of fornication and the blessing of fidelity and chastity.

O great saint of Christ, Saint Mary! Standing before the Throne of God in Heaven, and abiding with us in the spirit of love on earth, having boldness towards the Lord, pray to save His servants, who flow to you with love. Ask us from the Most Merciful Master and Lord of faith for immaculate observance of our cities and towns, for the affirmation of our cities and villages, for deliverance from famine and destruction, for consolation for the afflicted, for healing for the sick, for rebellion for the fallen, for strengthening for the lost, for prosperity and blessing in good deeds, for intercession for orphans and widows. and for those who have departed from this life - eternal rest, but on the day of the Last Judgment, we will all be at the right hand of the country and hear the blessed voice of My Judge: come, blessed of My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world, and receive your abode there forever. Amen.

It is believed that men experience such problems more often, but I experienced first-hand what temptation by passion is—I wouldn’t wish it on my enemy. And I understood that I loved my husband and that such thoughts were turning me into some kind of harlot, but I couldn’t help myself - day and night I had the other one in my head. And such dreams about him that it’s embarrassing to admit. It’s good that I retained the remnants of my reason and realized that these were the machinations of the evil spirit and that only through prayer could I resist it. She prayed for the salvation of Saint Mary of Egypt and, like her, cried out to the Mother of God. And thank God, bad thoughts left me; I’m not ashamed to look my beloved husband in the eyes. But it’s scary to think what could have happened...

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Mary of Egypt is a fifth-century saint revered by the Orthodox, Catholic, and some Protestant communities. Mary's Memorial Day is April 14 in the Orthodox Church and April 3 in the Catholic Church - as Wikipedia indicates.

Christians recognized the saint as venerable, that is, as having become like Christ in her life, and equal to the apostles. The Life of Mary of Egypt, written by Sophronius of Jerusalem, is unique both in its content and in its presentation.

The narrative begins with the biography of the monk Zosima, and not at all by chance. Zosima was a hieromonk and led a righteous life.

He stayed in the monastery in constant fasting and prayer, and pride overwhelmed him. The devil finds his way to the heart of every person, trying to confuse him.

It seemed to Zosima that there was no one higher than him, better than him, more righteous than him - the poor man did not understand that he was drowning in the abyss of his own pride and vanity.

The Lord, being merciful, decided to save the lost one and show him someone who surpassed him in righteousness and love for Christ.

Zosima went to the Jordan monastery. According to local tradition, monks and novices went during the first week of Lent to the Egyptian desert, the same one in which Christ himself was tempted in ancient times. Taking some food and drink with him, Zosima also went.

Suddenly something like a shadow appeared on the way. Fear gripped the monk, and he retreated back. “Give me your cloak,” Zosima suddenly heard a woman’s voice. Placing his outer garment at a distance and turning away, the monk waited. The woman covered her naked body and appeared to Zosima. Who did the monk see?

A woman, exhausted by her stay in the Egyptian desert and constant fasting, inspired by prayer so much that she could rise into the sky.

The monk threw himself on his knees in front of her, but the hermit stopped him.

Despite all her exploits, the woman did not consider herself great; on the contrary, she asked Zosima to pray for her sins.

An explanation should be made here: despite the fact that Christ destroyed the Old Testament principles and leveled the sexes before the face of the Lord, the old foundations were still strong in people.

If you open a list of holy men and women, there will be two or three times more of the first. Therefore, Zosima, seeing that God had exalted a woman above him, was amazed. The monk’s pride was broken, and with great zeal he began to read prayers, glorifying the great God.

Mary's spiritual insight

The Venerable Mary of Egypt became a harlot at the age of 12. For a long time she led a riotous lifestyle, indulging in various entertainments and temptations. One day the girl met a group of young people going to worship the holy places of Jerusalem. She followed them, wanting to have a good time in the company of men.

Many say that this saint is a prototype of Mary Magdalene, also a harlot, who washed Jesus’ feet with myrrh and wiped him with her hair. Subsequently, she became one of the most ardent preachers and faithful Christians.

When they approached the temple and began to go inside, the harlot was suddenly stopped by a force she had never seen before. Despite all her efforts, the girl could not enter the church.

At first this surprised her, then angered her, but after a while she suddenly realized her past mistakes, understood them and began with frantic strength to offer prayers to the Mother of God, the icon of which was in the narthex.

Mary of Egypt's prayer lasted several hours, and people gathered around her. They say the light began to emanate from a woman. Finally, entering the temple, the former sinner fell down to the shrines. The life of the harlot has changed radically and will never be the same again. She saw the great power of the Lord and understood how prayer helps him.

Forgetting about entertainment and past interests, she went to confession and received holy communion. Here, many Orthodox Christians will be surprised: how is it that a woman with such a load of sins took communion right away, without preparation?

The rules providing for the number and extent of preparation for receiving the Holy Mysteries appeared much later than the fifth century; before that, a person himself decided whether he was worthy to receive the sacrament. It should also be remembered that nothing is impossible for God, because the great sinner was the first to enter the gates of Heaven, and the apostle was the first to enter Hell.

Communion of Mary

The saint lived for seventeen long years in the Egyptian desert before meeting the monk Zosima. All this time she constantly said prayers.

Food and drink were obtained by animals, which the Venerable One fearlessly allowed near her. The spirit was strong and strong, which prayer helps with.

When the hermit told Zosima about her life, she tearfully asked him to bring her the Holy Gifts next time and give her communion in the Egyptian desert.

Like many saints, she knew in advance about the date of her death, waited for it and wanted to partake of the Life-Giving Chalice for the last time in this world.

Zosima fulfilled the saint’s request and gave her communion in the middle of the Egyptian desert. Mary commanded him not to tell anyone about his meeting with her until her death. Arriving in the desert a year later, Zosima discovered an incorrupt body and a note in the sand. She rested a few days after receiving the Holy Mysteries from him.

The body lay in the heat, sun and winds for almost a year and did not deteriorate at all. Amazed by the miracles of the Lord, Zosima began to think about how to dig a grave in the sand. At that moment, a huge lion approached him, but did not touch the monk, but dug a large hole.

Having prayed for the repose, Zosima reported to the monastery about his miraculous meeting and wrote down the story. It formed the basis of the life of the Venerable Mary of Egypt.

Important! An Orthodox full-length film was made about the life of this saint. Videos of him are freely available on the Internet.

The icon of the Venerable One is one of the most amazing images. The woman is depicted with her head uncovered and her breasts half-bare.

If you look closely, you can see how thin this saint was. The cheekbones, ribs, and spine are clearly visible.

The work of the icon painter is amazing, but this does not disfigure the Reverend. Her face remains spiritual and beautiful.

The saint's gaze is turned upward to the sky. In the desert she had no cross, no icons, no books. So simply and usually the hermit offered prayers to the Creator, coming from her heart.

Perhaps they were not entirely bookish and correct, but they were sincere and received an answer from God. The harlot and sinner ascended to heaven along with the apostles - the closest disciples of Christ - isn’t this a miracle?

Prayer of Mary of Egypt

The service of the Venerable Lady takes place in the fifth week of Lent and is called “St. Mary’s Standing”. On it the canon is read to Andrew of Crete and the saint herself, her strongest repentance and long days in the desert are remembered.

Troparion of Venerable Mary of Egypt:

About you, Mother Mary, the speed of salvation is known, having accepted the cross, you followed Christ, and in action you taught to despise the flesh, which passes away, but to be diligent about the souls, things that are immortal. In the same way, the Angels also rejoice, O Reverend Mother Mary, Your spirit.

Kontakion of St. Mary of Egypt:

First filled with all sorts of fornications, the bride of Christ has now appeared in repentance, imitating the angelic lives, destroying the demons of the Cross with weapons. For this sake of the Kingdom, the bride appeared, O most glorious Mary.

Having escaped the darkness of sin and having illuminated your heart with the light of repentance, you, glorious one, came to Christ, to this All-Immaculate and Holy Mother, you brought a merciful prayer book to him. From here she found forgiveness of her sins, and with the Angels she rejoiced forever.

• appeal to the Church of Sinners;
• gaining repentance;
• healing from diseases and illnesses;
• deliverance from fornication, lust and other temptations;
• increased strength for prayers;
• protection from enemies, bad companies and extravagance;
• strengthening and increasing faith;
• assistance in relationships between children and parents;
• fulfillment of all good forgiveness.

During her lifetime, this saint did not perform obvious miracles. After death, healings and other events constantly occur on the relics, which are difficult to believe without seeing with your own eyes.

Icons of Mary of Egypt are also endowed with considerable power. If you keep them in every home and perform prayers, they will easily protect the place from enemies and evil people, help you not to sin again and sober your thoughts.

Important! The modern world is full of various temptations, and every parent wants to protect their child from troubles and adversity. The desire of young people to have fun and live large, rather than spend time in prayer, is understandable, but the realization of the consequences of a riotous life often comes too late.

How does Mary of Egypt help? Praying to her, like the harlot in the distant past, is endowed with enormous power and will help to cope with the worst influence on the child. In order for help to flow continuously, you can put a photo of your beloved child next to the icon.

Useful video

Let's sum it up

However, it should be remembered that prayer is still not a spell. The strength of its action in most cases depends on a person’s faith in it, as well as his inner mood. You don’t have to rely only on the words in front of the icon.

It will be useful to tell your child about the saint, show the icon and pray together. Of course, if he has already fallen under the bad influence of society, this will not be easy to do. However, with the help of Saint Mary of Egypt and Divine intercession, it is possible to overcome any difficulties. The temporary joys of earthly existence will never replace the eternal bliss in heaven.

Listen to the life of St. Mary of Egypt

Brief Life of the Venerable Mary of Egypt

The Great Mary, nicknamed Egypt, lived in the middle of the 5th century and in the beginning of the 6th century. Her youth was not a precursor to anything good. Maria was only half-twenty years old when she left her home in the city of Aleksandria. Being free from her birth control, young and inexperienced, Maria became carried away by the fateful life. There was no one to stop her on the way to death, and there were a lot of bla-s and blas-news. So for 17 years Maria lived in sins, until the kind Lord converted her to the right way.

It happened like this. Due to the circumstances, Maria joined the group of pa-lom-niks who went to the Holy Place Earth. Sailing with the pa-lom-ni-ka-mi on the co-rab-le, Ma-ria can’t stop seducing people and sinning. Arriving in Jerusalem, she joined the pilgrims who went to the Church of the Resurrection of Christ -va.

A huge crowd of people entered the temple, and Maria at the entrance stopped with an invisible hand and no way. ki-mi usi-li-i-mi could not enter it. Then she realized that the Lord would not allow her to enter the holy place because of her uncleanliness.

Seized with horror and a feeling of deep-ness, she began to beg God to forgive her sins, promising to fundamentally -edit your life. Seeing God at the entrance to the temple, Ma-riya began to ask God to drink for her. ed by God. After this, she immediately felt a light in her soul and entered the temple without hindrance. Shedding copious tears at the tomb of the Lord, she left the temple as a completely different person.

Maria fulfilled her promise to change her life. From Jerusalem, she retreated to the harsh and deserted Jordan desert, and there she lived for almost half a century. lived in complete solitude, in fasting and prayer. So su-ro-you-move-mi Ma-ria of Egypt so-vers-shen-but is-to-re-ni-la in herself all the sins -same and de-la-la your heart as a pure temple of the Holy Spirit.

Elder Zo-si-ma, who lived in the Jordan Monastery of St. John the Lord, God's plan was for them to meet in the desert with the Most Holy Mary, who -when she was already a deep old woman. He was amazed by her holiness and gift of vision. One day he saw her while praying, as if standing above the earth, and another time, walking across the river Jordan. given, as if by land.

Having parted ways with Zo-si-my, the very kind Maria asked him to come again a year later to the desert in order to pri-cha- style her. The elder returned at the appointed time and communed with the Most Holy Mary of the Holy Ta-in. Then, coming to the desert another year later, hoping to see the saint, he no longer found her alive. The old man buried the remains of St. Mary there in the desert, in which he was helped by a lion, whose claws dug a hole for the burial of the body of the righteous -ni-tsy. This would have been close in 521.

So from a great sinner, the most excellent Mary became, with God’s help, a great saint and remained -vi-la such a bright example of po-ka-i-niya.

The complete life of the Most Holy Mary of Egypt

In one Pa-lestin monastery in the outskirts of Ke-sa-ria lived the great monk Zo-si-ma. Given to the monastery from his childhood, he stayed there until he was 53 years old, when he was embarrassed by the thought: “Nai “Is there a holy man who has surpassed me in sobriety and deeds in the most distant desert?”

As soon as he thought this way, the Angel of God appeared to him one day and said: “You, Zo-si-ma, according to man’s place... It’s not bad, but there is not a single righteous person among the people (). So that you cheer, how many other and higher -the call of the spa-se-niya, get out of this abode, like Av-ra-am from his father’s house (), and go to the a nuisance, settled near the Jordan."

That hour Av-va Zo-si-ma left the monastery and, following An-gel, came to the Jordan monastery and sat down -sya in it.

Here he saw the elders, who truly appeared in their deeds. Av-va Zo-si-ma began to help the holy monks in the spiritual de-la-niya.

So a lot of time passed, and the Holy Holy One came close. There was a custom in the monastery, for the sake of which God brought the venerable Zo-si here. mu. On the first Sunday of the Great, the abbot served the Divine Li-tur-gy, everyone partook of the Most Holy the pure Body and Blood of Christ, then ate a small meal and gathered again in the church.

Having co-created a prayer and a full number of earthly clones, elders, having asked each other for forgiveness, sang a blessing from the abbot and accompanied by the general singing of the psalm “The Lord is my illumination and my Savior: to "What kind of slaughter? Lord, Protector of my life: from whom am I escaping?" () open the mo-na-styr-skie gates and the ear-di-li-into the pu-sty-nu.

Each of them took with him a moderate amount of food, some needed what, some and nothing at all didn't they go to the desert and drink the ko-re-nya-mi. Ino-ki moved beyond the Jordan and walked as far as possible, so as not to see how someone stood and watched. za-et-sya.

When the Great Lent ended, the monks returned to the monastery for Palm Sunday with fruit your own de-la-niya (), having examined your conscience (). At the same time, no one asked anyone how he worked and accomplished his feat.

That year, Ab-va Zo-si-ma, according to my custom, crossed the Jordan. He wanted to go deeper into the wilderness to meet one of the saints and great elders, the savior. those who are there and pray for peace.

He walked through the desert for 20 days and one day, when he was singing the psalms of the 6th hour and doing the usual prayers, suddenly there was a seemed like the shadow of a man's body. He was horrified, thinking that he was seeing a demonic apparition, but, having crossed himself, he put aside his fear and, windowing I prayed, turned to the hundred and saw a man walking through the desert about a woman -ka, someone’s body was black from the sun’s heat, and you’re roaring short-mouthed hair -le-li, like a lamb-chee ru-but. Av-va Zo-si-ma got excited, because during these days I haven’t seen a single living creature, and immediately went to his shop.

But as soon as the deserted nick saw Zo-si-mu coming towards him, he immediately started to run away from him. Av-va Zo-si-ma, forgetting his old age's weakness and fatigue, quickened his pace. But soon he, in a state of inability, remained by the dry stream and began to tearfully beg for the darling moving: “Why are you running away from me, a sinful old man, who is s-sleeping in this desert? Wait for me- Nya, weak and unworthy, and give me your holy prayer and blessings, for the sake of the Lord, I don’t bend-sha-she-go-sha-ever-by-anyone.”

The unknown, without turning around, shouted to him: “Sorry, Av-va Zo-si-ma, I can’t, turn around, show - to your face: I’m a woman, and, as you can see, I don’t have any clothes on to cover my body. go-you. But if you want to pray for me, the great and ok-sinner, throw me your cloak to cover yourself, then- when I can come to you under your blessing."

“She wouldn’t have known me by name, if she hadn’t acquired da-ra about holiness and ignorance of our movements.” “It’s a good look from the Lord,” thought Av-va Zo-si-ma and hurried to fulfill what was said to him.

Covering herself with a cloak, she moved and turned to Zo-si-ma: “What’s on your mind, Ab-va Zo-si-ma, talk to me, a sinful and unwise woman? What do you want to learn from me and, sparing no effort, -have you done so much work?" He, bowing down to the woman, asked her for a blessing. In the same way, she bowed down before him, and for a long time both of them said to each other: “Bless the words.” Finally she said something; “Av-va Zo-si-ma, you have the right to say the blessing and pray for it, since you are honored by the rank of the pre- Sw-ter-skim and many years, standing before Christ al-ta-ryu, you receive the Holy Gifts of the Lord.”

These words terrified the pre-excellent Zo-si-mu even more. With a deep sigh, he answered her: “O spiritual mother! It is clear that you, of the two of us, have come closer to Bo- gu and died for the world. You recognized me by name and called me first, you had never seen me before "Your life is above and it is good to say to me, Lord, for God's sake."

Having finally yielded to Zo-sima’s persistence, she said: “Blessed is God, who wants spa-ness to all people." Av-va Zo-si-ma said “Amen”, and they got up from the ground. Po-dvi-tsa again said to the old man: “Why did you come to me, you sinner, deprived of everything?” -what kind of good? Well, I will serve as my soul requires. Tell me first, oh, how Christians live now, how it is here and how blessed it is. “Are there holy Churches of God?”

Av-va Zo-si-ma answered her: “Your holy ones, pray for God to grant the Church and to all of us perfection.” - world. But heed the prayer of the unworthy old man, my mother, pray, for the sake of God, for the whole world and for me, sinner “But, don’t let this deserted walk be fruitless for me.”

The holy movement said: “You will soon lie down, Av-va Zo-si-ma, having a holy rank, for me and pray for everyone. That's why you were given the rank. However, everything that was commanded to me was willingly fulfilled in obedience - knowledge of the Truth and from a pure heart."

Having said so, the saint turned to the east and, raising her eyes and raising her hands to the sky, began to pray -xia. The old man saw how she rose in the air to an elbow off the ground. From this miraculous vision, Zo-sima fell prostrate, praying fervently and not daring to pro- ceed anything, except me "Gossip, please!"

A thought came into his mind - is this vision leading him into temptation? The Pre-precious one moved, turned around, picked him up from the ground and said: “What are you talking about, Av-va Zo-si -Ma, are my thoughts so confusing? I don’t see myself. I’m a sinful and unworthy woman, although I’m a fence. at holy baptism."

Having said this, she signed herself with the sign of the cross. Seeing and hearing this, the old man fell with tears at the feet of the mover: “I beg you by Christ, our God, not hide your moving life from me, but tell it all, in order to make the great things of God clear to everyone. -I swear to my Lord God, by Him you also live, that for this reason I was sent to this desert, so that all your fasts would not God made such deeds manifest to the world.”

And the holy one said: “I’m embarrassed to tell you about my shameless deeds.” For you must then run away from me, closing your eyes and ears, as you would run from a poisonous snake. But still, I’ll tell you, Father, without keeping silent about any of my sins, I implore you, don’t stop praying for me, a sinner. , yes, I’m going to show daring on the Day of Su-da.

I was born in Egypt and while I was still alive, twenty years old, I left them and went to Aleksandr. san-driu. I lost my whole wisdom there and indulged in unrestrained and insatiable love. For more than seven-ten years, it was impossible to fight, but I gave in to sin and did it all without retribution. I didn’t take the money in the wrong way, that would be a bo-ga-ta. I lived in poverty and for ra-ba-you-va-la yarn. I thought that the whole meaning of life lies in satisfying the carnal desire.

About such a life, I once saw a lot of people from Libya and Egypt marching to the sea, to sail to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Resurrection of the Holy Cross. I wanted to swim with them too. But not for the sake of Jeru-sa-li-ma and not for the sake of celebrating, but - forgive me, father - so that there would be more someone to talk to once again. So I boarded the ship.

Now, believe me, I’m surprised at how the sea erased my race and love, how the earth did not open its mouth and did not send me alive to hell, having deceived and killed so many souls... But , apparently, God wanted me for my life, not wanting the death of a sinner and waiting for a long time about-ra-sche-nii.

So I arrived in Jerusalem and all the days before the holiday, as on the ship, I did bad things .

When the holy feast of the Movement of Honor on the Cross of the Lord arrived, I still went, catch -causing the souls of the young into sin. Seeing that everyone had gone to the church very early, where the Living Tree was going, I went along I walked with everyone and entered the church vestibule. When the hour of the Holy Movement arrived, I wanted to go into the church with all the people. With great difficulty I made my way to the door, and, oh-yang-y, I tried to squeeze inside. But as soon as I stepped on the threshold, a certain Divine force stopped me, not allowing me to enter, and bro-si-la far from the door, while all the people walked unhindered. I thought that maybe, due to the woman’s weakness, I couldn’t fit in the crowd, and again I tried - she started to talk to the people and make her way to the door. No matter how hard I worked, I couldn’t get in. As soon as my foot left the church, I stayed. The church welcomed everyone, didn’t let anyone in, and they didn’t let me in, dammit. This happened three or four times. My strength is gone. I walked away and stood in the corner of the church.

Then I felt that it was my sins that allowed me to see the Living Tree, my heart. I touched the blessing of the Lord, I burst into tears and began to beat myself in the chest. The Lord arose from the depths of my heart, I saw before me an icon of the Most Holy Bo-go-ro -di-tsy and turned to her with a prayer: “O De-vo, Lord, who gave birth to the flesh of God-the-Word "I know that I am not worthy to look at Your icon. It is right for me, my fornication, to be rejected from Yours." She is pure and you should be an abomination for You, but I also know that for this reason God became a man, in order to call sinners to -I-nie. Help me, Most Pure One, may I be allowed to enter the church. Do not forbid me to see the Dre- in which the Lord was crucified, shedding His innocent Blood for me, a sinner, for my salvation from sin. Please, Vlady-chi-tse, let the doors of the holy veneration of the Cross open for me too. You be flattering to me to give you nothing to Ro-div-she-mu from You. I promise You from now on not to defile myself any more with any carnal filth, but as soon as I see the Tree of the Cross of Thy Son, I will bite from the world and immediately go away to where you are putting me in.”

And when I prayed like that, I suddenly felt that my prayer was right. In the spirit of faith, relying on the Sweet-hearted God, I again joined in with those entering to the temple, and no one pushed me away or stopped me from entering. I walked in fear and trembling until I reached the door and was able to see the Living Cross of the Lord every day .

So I knew the secrets of God and that God was ready to accept those who repented. I fell to the ground, prayed, prayed for the saint, and left the temple, hastening to appear before the priest again. It's okay to give her a hint, where yes, but there was a promise from me. I bowed before the icon, and so I prayed before it:

"Oh Bla-go-love-bi-vaya Vlad-dy-chi-tse na-sha Bo-go-ro-di-tse! You didn’t get excited, pray-you’re dis-satisfied with me- stop. Glory to God, I accept You for the sake of sinners. The time has come for me to use both scha-nie, in which You were Po-ru-chi-tel-no-tsei. nia".

And so, before you’ve finished your prayer, I hear a voice, as if speaking from somewhere: “If you cross for the Jordan, then you will have blessed rest."

I immediately believed that this voice was for me, and, crying, I shouted to Bo-go-ro-di-tse: " Lord Vlady-chi-tse, don’t leave me, I’m a nasty sinner, but help me,” and immediately she left the church- but she did it and walked away. One man gave me three copper coins. With them I bought three loaves of bread for myself and from the seller I learned the way to the Jordan.

On the way I reached the church of St. John the Cross near Jordan. Having knelt first in the church, I immediately went down to Jordan and washed his face and hand with holy water. ki. Then I took part in the temple of St. John the Pre-pure and Living Mysteries of Christ, ate a lo-vi-well from one of her loaves, drank it with holy Jordan water and slept that night ground near the temple. In the morning, having found a small boat not far away, I moved in it across the river to the other bank and again it was hot I prayed to stand before me, so that She would look upon me as She would please. Immediately after that I came to this desert."

Av-va Zo-si-ma asked the pre-dob-noy: “How many years, my mother, have passed since the time you -was in this desert?" “I think,” she said, “47 years have passed since I left the Holy City.”

Av-va Zo-si-ma asked again: “What do you have or what do you want here, my mother?” And she said: “There were two half-bread with me when I crossed the Jordan, and they They dried up and their eyes didn’t, and, having eaten little, I drank from them for many years.”

Av-va Zo-si-ma asked again: “Have you really been without illnesses for so many years? And you haven’t used any nothing from sudden attacks and temptations?" - “Trust me, Ab-va Zo-si-ma,” from-ve-cha-la the pre-po-dob-naya, “I spent 17 years in this desert, word-with-love -you're an animal, fighting with your own thoughts... When I'm about to eat pi-shu, that's the hour I thought about meat and fish, to which I had become accustomed in Egypt. that I drank it a lot when I was in the world, but here, having often no simple water and food, I suffered a lot from thirst and hunger. , they seemed to be heard to me, confusing my heart and ears. Crying and beating my chest, I remembered when both of you, someone -rye-da-va-la, walking into the desert, in front of the icon of the Holy God-ro-di-tsy, Hand-hand-tsy my-her, and weep-ka-la , please, drive away the terrified thoughts. No, I saw the Light appearing from all over me, and then, instead of bu-ri, a great ti-shi- came around me. on the.

Prodigal thoughts, forgive me, oh, how do I tell you? A passionate fire burned inside my heart and scorched me all over, arousing me at least. When my thoughts appeared, I fell to the ground and saw that Sa was standing in front of me -Ma the Most Holy Po-ru-chi-tel-ni-tsa and judges me, having broken the given promise. So I didn’t get up, I lay prostrate day and night on the ground, until the same thing happened again and I was surrounded by the same the blessed Light, which has driven away evil confusion and thoughts.

So I lived in this desert for the first seventeen years. Darkness after darkness, trouble after worry about me, a sinner. But from that time until now, God, my Help, guides me in everything.”

Av-va Zo-si-ma asked again: “Didn’t you really need food or clothes here?”

She said: “If only my bread had run out, as I said, in these seventeen years. After that, I became pi- to hide with the co-re-nya-mi and with what I could find in the desert... The dress that I was wearing when I crossed Jordan, a long time ago it was torn and decayed, and I had to endure a lot and suffer from the heat, when I -it was hot, and from the winter, when I was shaking from the cold. How many times did I fall to the ground as if dead. once in an immeasurable bo-re-re-nii, there would be-wa-la with different personalities on-pa-sty-mi, be-da-mi and is-ku-she-ni-ya -mi. But from that time until the present day, the power of God is unknown and many times. for my sinful soul and humble body. (), for man will not live on bread alone, but on everyone who is the word of God (;), and those who have no -blood ka-me-ni-em about-le-kut-sya (), if owing to sin-clothing (). -na-la, from how much evil and what sins the Lord has caused me, in that na-ho-di-la I squeak indescribably- I'm washing."

When Av-va Zo-si-ma heard that from the Holy Pi-sa-niy the holy movement was speaking in memory - from the books of Moses and Job and from the psalms of Da-vi-do-vykh, - then he asked the most like: “Where, my mother, did you learn the psalms - mothers and other books?"

She smiled, having heard this question, and responded like this: “Believe me, man of God, don’t see a single thing.” -there hasn't been a person besides you since the Jordan crossed. I've never studied books before, neither the singing of the church was heard, nor the divine reading, except perhaps the very Word of God, living and everything-creative, teaches man everything-to-the-reason (; ;).However, quite freely, I have already used all my life ve-da-la to you, but with what na-chi-na-la, that’s the end of it: I call you in the incarnation of God-Slo -va-prayed, holy av-va, for me, the great sinner.

And I also swear to you by the Savior of our Lord Jesus Christ - all that you heard from me, without saying I won’t eat anything until God takes me away from the earth. And it doesn’t do anything about what I’m going to tell you right now. Next year, during Lent, do not go beyond the Jordan, as your foreign custom dictates.”

Again Av-va Zo-si-ma was surprised that their rank was mo-na-styr-sky from the holy-mov-tse, although he was not about her -said not a single word about it.

“Be-well, a-w-wah,” said the pre-po-dol-naya, “in the monastery. However, if you want -from the mo-na-sta-rya, you won’t be able to... And when the holy Ma-ly Thursday comes -hey, put into the holy co-court the Living Body and Blood of Christ, our God, and with-you me. Wait for me on the other side of Jordan, at the edge of the desert, so that when I come, I can partake of the Holy Ta-ins. And av- ve Ioan-well, Igu-me-nu your obi-te-li, so say: pay attention to yourself and become your own ().However, I don’t want so that you tell him this now, but when the Lord will show you."

Having said so and asked prayers again, the pre-precious one turned back and went into the depths of the desert.

All year long, Elder Zo-si-ma remained in silence, not daring to reveal to anyone what the Lord had revealed to him, and diligently could prayed that the Lord would help him to see the saint in action once again.

When the first gray-haired one of the holy Great-ness came again, the most reverend Zo-si-ma from for illness I had to stay in the monastery. That's when he remembered the pro-ro-che-words of the pre-dear one about how he wouldn't be able to get out of the monastery. After several days, the very same Zo-si-ma recovered from his illness, but still remained until the Passion Week in mo-na-sty-re.

The day was approaching for the re-examination of the Tai-che-ri. That's when Av-va Zo-si-ma fulfilled what was commanded to him - late in the evening he left the monastery to the Jordan and sat down on the bank, waiting. Holy honey, and Av-va Zo-si-ma prayed to God so that He would not deprive him of a meeting with the movement.

Finally, the very good one came and stood along the other side of the river. Rejoicing, the venerable Zo-si-ma stood up and glorified God. A thought occurred to him: how could she cross the Jordan without a boat? But the venerable one, re-crossing the Jordan with the sign of the cross, quickly walked along the water. When the old man wanted to bow to her, she stopped him, shouting from the river: “What are you doing? "Ab-va? After all, you are a priest, but a si-tel of the great Secrets of God."

Per-rey-dya re-ku, pre-po-do-naya say-za-la av-ve Zo-si-me: “Bla-go-slo-vi, from-che.” He answered her with trepidation, horrified by the wondrous vision: “Indeed, God, who promised to trust to achieve the cleansing of all those who are as mortal as possible. Glory to You, Christ our God, bye-bye “To me, through My holy servant, how far from the measure of perfection I stand.”

After this, the most kindly asked him to recite “I Believe” and “Our Father.” At the end of your prayer, she, having partaken of the Holy Terrible Ta-ins of Christ, wiped her hands to the sky and with tears -mi and tr-pe-the-from-la mo-lit-vu of the holy Si-meo-on God-pri-im-tsa: “Now from-pu-sha-e- Shea thy servant, O Lord, according to Thy word be with the world, as my eyes have seen Thy salvation.”

Then again the most kindly turned to the old man and said: “Forgive me, av-va, I still used up my other -la-nie. Now go to your monastery, and next year come to that dried-up place where This is the first time we've talked to you." “If it were possible for me,” said Av-va Zo-si-ma, “I would constantly go after you in order to see your holiness!" The Most-pre-loved again asked the old man: “Pray, Lord, pray for me and remember my oka-yan -stvo". And, making the sign of the cross over the Jordan, she, as before, walked across the waters and disappeared into the darkness of the desert. And the old man Zo-si-ma returned to the monastery in a spiritual spirit and trembling and reproached him for one thing - I didn’t ask for the name of the first one. But he hoped to finally find out her name the next year.

A year passed, and Av-va Zo-si-ma again left for the desert. Praying, he reached the is-ho-she-way, on the eastern side he saw a saint moving. nope. She was lying dead, with her folds, as if they were banging, on her chest, with her face turned towards Vo. -hundred. Av-va Zo-si-ma washed her feet, not daring to touch her body, cried for a long time over the deceased as she moved and He began to sing psalms that mourn the death of the righteous, and read the prayers of the righteous. But he asked me whether he would please her if he rowed her. As soon as he thought about it, he saw that the head of it was in the devil: “By the way, av-va Zo-si-ma, on this me- Thank you to the humble Mary. Give me the dust of the feather. Pray to the Lord for me, for the month to come. ap-re-la on the first day, on the very night of Christ’s savior-giving sufferings, according to the participation of the Divine Tai -noy Ve-che-ri."

Having read this inscription, Av-va Zo-si-ma wondered who could have made it, for she herself did not know the movement. la gra-mo-you. But he was glad to finally know her name. Av-va Zo-si-ma understood that the Most Holy Mary, having received the Holy Mysteries on the Jordan from his hands, instantly - she walked her long, deserted path, along which he, Zo-sima, walked for twenty days, and immediately went to the Lord.

Having glorified God and washed the earth and the body of the most beautiful Mary, Av-va Zo-si-ma said to himself: “It’s time for you, old man Zo-si-ma, to do as you were told. But how can you, oka-yan-ny, is -to-gather mo-gi-lu without having anything in hand? Having said this, he saw a trusty tree lying somewhere in the desert, took it and began to dig. But the earth was too dry, no matter how hard he dug, and then washed himself, he could not do anything. Having straightened up, Av-va Zo-si-ma saw a huge lion near the body of the Most Like Mary, which licked her hundred -py. The old man was overcome by fear, but he crossed himself with the sign of the cross, believing that he would remain unharmed by the holy prayer in motion. Then the lion began to caress the old man, and Ab-va Zo-si-ma, rising in spirit, ordered the lion to go -gi-lu, to give the body of Saint Mary to the earth. According to his word, the lion la-pa-mi is-co-fell the ditch, in which it was rowed, but the body is just as good. Is-pol-niv for-things, each went his own way: the lion - to the desert, and Av-va Zo-si-ma - to the mo- damn, bless and praise Christ, our God.

Arriving at the monastery, Av-va Zo-si-ma told mo-na-boor and ighu-me-nu that he saw and heard from the pre-loving Ma -rii. Everyone was amazed, hearing about the greatness of God, and with fear, faith and love, they decided to create memory like the Most Holy Mary and commemorate the day of her repose. Av-va John, hegu-men of the monastery, according to the word of the Most Holy One, with the help of God, corrected in the monastery what over-le-sting-lo. Av-va Zo-si-ma, who was still alive, God-pleasingly, in the same monastery and a little short of living to be a hundred years old, ended his time here -new life, pass into eternal life.

So did the ancients give us the wondrous news about the life of the Most Holy Mary of Egypt in the movement of the glorious abode? -Is the saint of all-x-val-no-go Pre-the Lord under John, who lived on the Jordan. This news was originally not for them, but it was transmitted blissfully to the saints elders from mentors to students.

“I am,” says Saint So-froniy, ar-hi-bishop of Jerusalem (March 11), first opis-sa -tel Life, - which he received in his turn from the holy fathers, he gave everything to the written message.

God, who creates great chu-de-sa and ve-li-ki-mi da-ro-va-ni-ya-mi, rewards everyone, with faith to To him, let us re-read, and listen, and give us this information -news and will give us a good share with the blessed Mary of Egypt and with all the saints, God-thought- I eat and work for my own sake to please God from eternity. May we, too, give glory to God the King forever, and let us also be blessed with mercy on the Day of Judgment in Christ Jesus, Our Lord, He deserves all the glory, honor, and power, and worship with the Father, and the Lord. the holy and living-creating Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages, amen.

Troparion of Venerable Mary of Egypt,voice 8
In you, mother, it is known that you were saved in the image, having accepted the cross, you followed Christ, and in action you taught to despise the flesh, which passes away; In the same way, the Angels also rejoice, O Reverend Mary, Your spirit.
Kontakion of St. Mary of Egypt, voice 4
Having escaped the darkness of sin, having illuminated your heart with the light of repentance, you, glorious one, came to Christ, You brought this merciful prayer book to the All-Immaculate and Holy Mother. You have found forgiveness from your sins and sins, and you will rejoice with the Angels forever.
Kontakion of St. Mary of Egypt, voice 3
First filled with all sorts of fornications, the bride of Christ has now appeared in repentance, imitating the angelic life, destroying the demons of the Cross with weapons. For the sake of the Kingdom, the bride appeared to you, O glorious Mary.
The Greatness of the Venerable Mary of Egypt
We magnify you, great Mother Mary, and honor your holy memory, teacher of monks and interlocutor of Angels.
Prayer of St. Mary of Egypt
O great saint of Christ, Venerable Mary! Those who stand before the Throne of God in Heaven, and who are with us in the spirit of love on earth, who have boldness towards the Lord, pray to save His servants, who flow to you with love. Ask us from the Most Merciful Master and Lord of faith for immaculate observance of our cities and villages, for salvation from famine and destruction, for those who mourn - consolation, for the sick - healing, for the fallen - rebellion, for those who go astray - strengthening, prosperity and blessing in good deeds, for orphans and widows - intercession and eternal rest for those who have departed from this life, but on the day of the Last Judgment we will all be at the right hand of the country and hear the blessed voice of the Judge of the world: come, blessed of My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world, and receive your abode there forever. Amen.

PART ONE:

IN In one Palestinian monastery in the vicinity of Caesarea lived the Venerable Monk Zosima. Sent to a monastery from childhood, he labored there until the age of 53, when he was confused by the thought: “Will there be found in the farthest desert a holy man who surpasses me in sobriety and work?”

L As soon as he thought this way, an Angel of the Lord appeared to him and said: “You, Zosima, have labored well by human standards, but among people there is not a single righteous (Rom.3:10). So that you understand how many other and higher forms of salvation there are, leave this monastery, like Abraham from his father’s house (Gen.12:1), and go to the monastery located by the Jordan".

T Abba Zosima immediately left the monastery and, following the Angel, came to the Jordan monastery and settled in it. Here he saw the elders, truly shining in their exploits. Abba Zosima began to imitate the holy monks in spiritual work.

T So a lot of time passed, and the Holy Pentecost approached. There was a custom in the monastery, for the sake of which God brought St. Zosima here. On the first Sunday of Great Lent, the abbot served the Divine Liturgy, everyone partook of the Most Pure Body and Blood of Christ, then ate a small meal and gathered again in the church.

WITH Having opened the prayer and the prescribed number of prostrations to the ground, the elders, asking each other for forgiveness, took a blessing from the abbot and accompanied by the common singing of the psalm “The Lord is my enlightenment and my Savior: whom shall I fear? The Lord is the Protector of my life: from whom shall I fear?” (Ps. 27:1) They opened the monastery gates and went into the desert.

TO Each of them took with him a moderate amount of food, whoever needed what, while some did not take anything at all into the desert and ate roots. The monks crossed the Jordan and dispersed as far as possible so as not to see anyone fasting and asceticism.

TO When Lent ended, the monks returned to the monastery on Palm Sunday with the fruit of their work (Rom.6:21-22) having examined your conscience (1 Peter 3:16). At the same time, no one asked anyone how he worked and accomplished his feat.

IN That year, Abba Zosima, according to monastic custom, crossed the Jordan. He wanted to go deeper into the desert to meet some of the saints and great elders who were saving themselves there and praying for peace.

ABOUT He walked through the desert for 20 days and one day, when he was singing the psalms of the 6th hour and doing the usual prayers, suddenly a shadow of a human body appeared to his right. He was horrified, thinking that he was seeing a demonic ghost, but, having crossed himself, put aside his fear and, having finished the prayer, turned towards the shadow and saw a naked man walking through the desert, whose body was black from the heat of the sun, and his short, bleached hair was - cherished like an ancient fleece. Abba Zosima was delighted, since during these days he had not seen a single living creature, and immediately headed in his direction.

N As soon as the naked hermit saw Zosima coming towards him, he immediately began to run away from him. Abba Zosima, forgetting his old age's infirmity and fatigue, quickened his pace. But soon, exhausted, he stopped at a dry stream and began tearfully begging the retreating ascetic: “Why are you running from me, a sinful old man, fleeing in this desert? Wait for me, weak and unworthy, and give me your holy prayer and blessing, for the sake of the Lord, who has never disdained anyone.”.

N The unknown man, without turning around, shouted to him: “Forgive me, Abba Zosima, I cannot turn and appear before your face: I am a woman, and, as you can see, I do not have on me any clothes to cover my bodily nakedness. But if you want to pray for me, a great and damned sinner, throw me your cloak to cover yourself, then I can come to you for a blessing.”.

« N She would not have known me by name if she had not acquired the gift of clairvoyance from the Lord through holiness and unknown exploits.”, thought Abba Zosima and hastened to fulfill what was told to him.

P Covering herself with her cloak, the ascetic turned to Zosima: “Why did you get it into your head, Abba Zosima, to talk to me, a sinful and unwise woman? What do you want to learn from me and, sparing no effort, you spent so much work?. He, kneeling down, asked her blessing. In the same way, she bowed before him, and for a long time both of them asked each other: "Bless". Finally the ascetic said: “Abba Zosima, it is fitting for you to bless and say a prayer, since you have been honored with the rank of presbyterate and for many years, standing at the altar of Christ, you have offered the Holy Gifts to the Lord.”.

E These words frightened Saint Zosima even more. With a deep sigh he answered her: “O spiritual mother! It is clear that you, of the two of us, have come closer to God and died for the world. You recognized me by name and called me presbyter, having never seen me before. Your measure must also bless me. For God's sake".

U Having finally stepped through Zosima’s stubbornness, the saint said: “Blessed be God, who desires the salvation of all men”. Avva Zosima replied "Amen", and they got up from the ground. The ascetic again said to the elder: “Why did you come, father, to me, a sinner, devoid of all virtue? However, it is clear that the grace of the Holy Spirit directed you to perform one service that my soul needed. Tell me first, Abba, how do Christians live today, how do the saints of God’s Church grow and prosper?”

A Vva Zosima answered her: “Through your holy prayers, God gave the Church and us all perfect peace. But heed the prayer of the unworthy old man, my mother, pray, for God’s sake, for the whole world and for me, a sinner, so that this deserted walk will not be fruitless for me.”.

WITH the holy ascetic said: “You should rather, Abba Zosima, having a sacred rank, pray for me and for everyone. That's why you were given the rank. However, I will willingly fulfill everything you commanded me for the sake of obedience to the Truth and from a pure heart.”. Having said this, the saint turned to the east and, lifting her eyes and raising her hands to the sky, began to pray in a whisper. The elder saw how she rose in the air an elbow from the ground. From this wonderful vision Zosima prostrated himself, praying earnestly and not daring to say anything except "Lord have mercy!"

E A thought came into his soul - was it not a ghost leading him into temptation? The venerable ascetic, turning around, lifted him from the ground and said: “Why, Abba Zosima, are your thoughts so confusing? I'm not a ghost.

I- a sinful and unworthy woman, although she is protected by holy Baptism.”

WITH Having said this, she made the sign of the cross. Seeing and hearing this, the elder fell with tears at the feet of the ascetic: “I beg you, by Christ our God, do not hide your ascetic life from me, but tell it all, in order to make the greatness of God clear to everyone. For I believe in the Lord my God, by whom you also live, that for this reason I was sent into this desert, so that God would make all your fasting deeds obvious to the world.”.

AND the holy ascetic said: “I’m embarrassed, father, to tell you about my shameless deeds. For then you will have to run from me, closing your eyes and ears, as one runs from a poisonous snake. But still I will tell you, father, without keeping silent about any of my sins, I conjure you, do not stop praying for me, a sinner, so that I will find boldness on the Day of Judgment.

Life of Venerable Mary of Egypt
PART ONE:

R I was born in Egypt and while my parents were still alive, when I was twelve years old, I left them and went to Alexandria. There I lost my chastity and indulged in uncontrollable and insatiable fornication. For more than seventeen years I indulged in sin without restraint and did everything for free. I didn't take money not because I was rich. I lived in poverty and made money from yarn. I thought that the whole meaning of life was to satisfy carnal lust.

P Leading such a life, I once saw a multitude of people from Libya and Egypt going to the sea to sail to Jerusalem for the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. I also wanted to sail with them. But not for the sake of Jerusalem and not for the sake of the holiday, but, forgive me, father, so that there would be more with whom to indulge in debauchery. So I boarded the ship.

T Now, father, believe me, I myself am surprised how the sea tolerated my debauchery and fornication, how the earth did not open its mouth and bring me alive to hell, which deceived and destroyed so many souls... But, apparently, God wanted my repentance, despite the death of the sinner and patiently awaiting conversion.

T So I arrived in Jerusalem and all the days before the holiday, as on the ship, I was engaged in bad deeds.

TO When the holy holiday of the Exaltation of the Venerable Cross of the Lord arrived, I still walked around, catching the souls of young people in sin. Seeing that everyone went to the church very early, where the Life-Giving Tree was located, I went with everyone and entered the church vestibule. When the hour of the Holy Exaltation arrived, I wanted to enter the church with all the people. Having made my way to the doors with great difficulty, I, damned, tried to squeeze inside. But as soon as I stepped on the threshold, some divine force stopped me, not allowing me to enter, and threw me far from the door, while all the people walked unhindered. I thought that, perhaps, due to female weakness, I could not squeeze through the crowd, and again I tried to push the people away with my elbows and make my way to the door. No matter how hard I worked, I couldn’t get in. As soon as my foot touched the church threshold, I stopped. The church accepted everyone, did not forbid anyone to enter, but I, the accursed one, was not allowed in. This happened three or four times. My strength is exhausted. I walked away and stood in the corner of the church porch.

T Then I felt that it was my sins that prevented me from seeing the Life-Giving Tree, my heart was touched by the grace of the Lord, I began to sob and began to beat my chest in repentance. As I lifted up sighs to the Lord from the depths of my heart, I saw before me an icon of the Most Holy Theotokos and turned to it with prayer: “O Virgin, Lady, who gave birth to the flesh of God - the Word! I know that I am unworthy to look at Your icon. It is righteous for me, a hated harlot, to be rejected from Your purity and to be an abomination to You, but I also know that for this purpose God became man, in order to call sinners to repentance. Help me, Most Pure One, may I be allowed to enter the church. Do not forbid me to see the Tree on which the Lord was crucified in His flesh, shedding His innocent Blood for me, a sinner, for my deliverance from sin. Command, Lady, that the doors of the holy worship of the Cross may be opened for me too. Be my valiant Guarantor to Him who was born of You. I promise You from now on no longer to defile myself with any carnal defilement, but as soon as I see the Tree of the Cross of Your Son, I will renounce the world and immediately go to where You, as the Surety, will guide me.”.

AND When I prayed like that, I suddenly felt that my prayer had been heard. In the tenderness of faith, hoping in the Merciful Mother of God, I again joined those entering the temple, and no one pushed me aside or prevented me from entering. I walked in fear and trembling until I reached the door and was honored to see the Life-giving Cross of the Lord. This is how I learned the mysteries of God and that God is ready to accept those who repent. I fell to the ground, prayed, kissed the shrines and left the temple, hastening to appear again before my Surety, where I had made a promise. Kneeling before the icon, I prayed like this before it:

« ABOUT Dear Our Lady, Mother of God! You did not abhor my unworthy prayer. Glory to God, who accepts the repentance of sinners through You. The time has come for me to fulfill the promise in which You were the Guarantor. Now, Lady, guide me on the path of repentance.".

AND Now, without finishing my prayer, I hear a voice, as if speaking from afar: “If you cross the Jordan, you will find blessed peace.”.

I I immediately believed that this voice was for my sake, and, crying, I exclaimed to the Mother of God: “Lady Lady, do not leave me, a nasty sinner, but help me”, - and immediately left the church vestibule and walked away. One man gave me three copper coins. With them I bought myself three loaves of bread and from the seller I learned the way to the Jordan.

N and at sunset I reached the Church of St. John the Baptist near the Jordan. Having bowed first of all in the church, I immediately went down to the Jordan and washed his face and hands with holy water. Then I took communion in the Church of St. John the Baptist of the Most Pure and Life-Giving Mysteries of Christ, ate half of one of my breads, washed it down with holy Jordanian water and slept that night on the ground near the temple. The next morning, having found a small canoe not far away, I crossed the river in it to the other bank and again fervently prayed to my Mentor that She would direct me as She herself would please. Immediately after that I came to this desert.”

A Vva Zosima asked the saint: “How many years, my mother, have passed since you settled in this desert?” — "Think,- she answered, “47 years have passed since I left the Holy City.”.

A Vva Zosima asked again: “What do you have or what do you find for food here, my mother?” And she answered: “I had two and a half loaves with me when I crossed the Jordan; little by little they dried up and turned to stone, and eating little by little, I fed from them for many years.”.

ABOUT Five asked Abba Zosima: “Have you really been without illness for so many years? And didn’t you accept any temptations from sudden excuses and temptations?” — “Trust me, Abba Zosima,- the venerable one answered, - I spent 17 years in this desert, as if struggling with fierce beasts with my thoughts... When I began to eat food, the thought of meat and fish immediately came to mind, to which I was accustomed in Egypt. I also wanted wine, because I drank a lot of it when I was out in the world. Here, often without simple water and food, I suffered fiercely from thirst and hunger. I also suffered more severe disasters: I was overcome by the desire for fornicating songs, as if I heard them, confusing my heart and ears. Crying and beating my chest, I then remembered the vows that I made while going into the desert, before the icon of the Holy Mother of God, my Handmaid, and cried, begging to drive away the thoughts that were tormenting my soul. When repentance was accomplished through prayer and crying, I saw a Light shining from everywhere, and then, instead of a storm, a great silence surrounded me.

B lousy thoughts, forgive me, Abba, how can I confess to you? A passionate fire flared up inside my heart and scorched me all over, arousing lust. When cursed thoughts appeared, I threw myself to the ground and seemed to see that the Most Holy Surety Herself was standing before me and judging me for breaking my promise. So I did not get up, lying prostrate day and night on the ground, until repentance was accomplished again and I was surrounded by the same blessed Light, driving away evil confusion and thoughts.

T This is how I lived in this desert for the first seventeen years. Darkness after darkness, misfortune after misfortune befell me, a sinner. But from that time until now, the Mother of God, my Helper, guides me in everything.”

A Vva Zosima asked again: “Did you really need neither food nor clothing here?”

ABOUT to which she answered: “My bread ran out, as I said, in these seventeen years. After that, I began to eat roots and what I could find in the desert. The dress that I was wearing when I crossed the Jordan had long been torn and decayed, and then I had to endure a lot and suffer from both the heat, when the heat scorched me, and the winter, when I was shaking from the cold. How many times have I fallen to the ground as if dead. How many times have I been in immeasurable struggle with various misfortunes, troubles and temptations? But from that time until this day, the power of God has protected my sinful soul and humble body in unknown and varied ways. I was nourished and covered by the word of God, which contains everything (Deut.8:3), for man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word of God (Matt.4:4; Luke4:4) and those who have no covering will be clothed with stones (Job 24:8) if they take off the garment of sin (Col.3:9). As I remembered how much evil and what sins the Lord had delivered me from, I found inexhaustible food in that.”.

TO When Abba Zosima heard that the holy ascetic was speaking from the Holy Scriptures in memory - from the books of Moses and Job and from the Psalms of David - then he asked the venerable one: “Where, my mother, did you learn the psalms and other Books?”

ABOUT She smiled after listening to this question and answered like this: “Believe me, man of God, I have not seen a single person except you since I crossed the Jordan. I had never studied books before, I had never heard church singing or Divine reading. Unless the Word of God itself, living and all-creative, teaches man all understanding (Col.3:16; 2Pet.1:21; 1Thess.2:13). However, enough, I have already confessed my whole life to you, but where I began is where I end: I conjure you as the incarnation of God the Word - pray, holy Abba, for me, a great sinner.

AND I also adjure you by the Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ - do not tell anything that you heard from me to anyone until God takes me from the earth. And do what I tell you now. Next year, during Lent, do not go beyond the Jordan, as your monastic custom commands.”

ABOUT Abba Zosima was surprised that their monastic order was known to the holy ascetic, although he did not say a single word about it to her.

« P remember, Abba,- the reverend continued, - in the monastery. However, even if you want to leave the monastery, you will not be able... And when the holy Great Thursday of the Lord’s Last Supper comes, put the Life-giving Body and Blood of Christ our God into the holy vessel and bring it to me. Wait for me on the other side of the Jordan, at the edge of the desert, so that when I come, I will receive communion of the Holy Mysteries. And say to Abba John, abbot of your monastery: take heed to yourself and to your flock (Acts 20:23; 1 Tim. 4:16). However, I don’t want you to tell him this now, but when the Lord indicates.”

WITH Having said so and once again asking for prayers, the saint turned and went into the depths of the desert.

IN For that entire year, Elder Zosima remained in silence, not daring to reveal to anyone what the Lord had revealed to him, and he diligently prayed that the Lord would grant him the privilege of seeing the holy ascetic once again.

TO When the first week of Holy Great Lent began again, the Monk Zosima, due to illness, had to remain in the monastery. Then he remembered the prophetic words of the saint that he would not be able to leave the monastery. After several days, the Monk Zosima was healed of his illness, but still remained in the monastery until Holy Week.

P The day of remembrance of the Last Supper has arrived. Then Abba Zosima fulfilled what he had been told to do - late in the evening he left the monastery to the Jordan and sat down on the shore, waiting. The saint hesitated, and Abba Zosima prayed to God that He would not deprive him of a meeting with the ascetic.

N Finally the monk came and stood on the other side of the river. Rejoicing, the Monk Zosima stood up and glorified God. A thought occurred to him: how could she get across the Jordan without a boat? But the saint, having crossed the Jordan with the sign of the cross, quickly walked on the water. When the elder wanted to bow to her, she forbade him, shouting from the middle of the river: “What are you doing, Abba? After all, you are a priest, a bearer of the great Mysteries of God.".

P Having crossed the river, the monk said to Abba Zosima: "Bless, Father". He answered her with trepidation, horrified by the wondrous vision: “Truly God is false, who promised to make all those who purify themselves like mortals, as far as possible. Glory to Thee, Christ our God, who showed me through His holy servant how far I fall from the standard of perfection.”.

P After this, the monk asked him to read “I Believe” and “Our Father.” At the end of the prayer, she, having received the Holy Terrible Mysteries of Christ, stretched out her hands to heaven and with tears and trembling said the prayer of Saint Simeon the God-Receiver: “Now do You let Your servant go in peace, O Master, according to Your word, for my eyes have seen Your salvation.”.

Z Then the monk again turned to the elder and said: “Forgive me, Abba, fulfill my other wish. Go now to your monastery, and next year come to that dried-up stream where we first talked to you.”. "If it were possible for me,- Abba Zosima answered, - to constantly follow you to behold your holiness!” The venerable woman again asked the elder: “Pray, for the Lord’s sake, pray for me and remember my damnation”. And, making the sign of the cross over the Jordan, she, as before, walked across the waters and disappeared into the darkness of the desert. And Elder Zosima returned to the monastery in spiritual jubilation and awe, and reproached himself for one thing: that he had not asked the name of the saint. But he hoped next year to finally find out her name.

P A year passed, and Abba Zosima again went into the desert. Praying, he reached a dry stream, on the eastern side of which he saw a holy ascetic. She lay dead, with her arms folded, as it should be, on her chest, her face turned to the East. Abba Zosima washed her feet with his tears, not daring to touch her body, wept for a long time over the deceased ascetic and began to sing psalms appropriate for mourning the death of the righteous, and read funeral prayers. But he doubted whether the saint would be pleased if he buried her. As soon as he thought this, he saw that near its head there was an inscription: “Bury, Abba Zosima, in this place the body of the humble Mary. Give dust to dust. Pray to the Lord for me, who reposed in the month of April on the first day, on the very night of Christ’s saving suffering, after communion of the Divine Last Supper.”.

P Having read this inscription, Abba Zosima was at first surprised at who could have made it, for the ascetic herself did not know how to read and write. But he was glad to finally know her name. Abba Zosima understood that the Venerable Mary, having received the Holy Mysteries on the Jordan from his hands, in an instant walked her long desert path, which he, Zosima, had walked for twenty days, and immediately departed to the Lord.

P Having glorified God and wet the earth and the body of the Venerable Mary with tears, Abba Zosima said to himself: “It’s time for you, Elder Zosima, to do what you were told to do. But how can you, damned one, dig up a grave without having anything in your hands?” Having said this, he saw a fallen tree lying nearby in the desert, took it and began to dig. But the ground was too dry, no matter how much he dug, sweating profusely, he could not do anything. Straightening up, Abba Zosima saw a huge lion near the body of the Venerable Mary, who was licking her feet. The elder was overcome with fear, but he made the sign of the cross, believing that he would remain unharmed by the prayers of the holy ascetic. Then the lion began to caress the elder, and Abba Zosima, inflamed in spirit, ordered the lion to dig a grave in order to bury the body of Saint Mary. At his word, the lion dug a ditch with its paws, in which the body of the saint was buried. Having fulfilled his will, each went his own way: the lion into the desert, and Abba Zosima into the monastery, blessing and praising Christ our God.

P Arriving at the monastery, Abba Zosima told the monks and abbot what he had seen and heard from the Venerable Mary. Everyone was amazed, hearing about the greatness of God, and with fear, faith and love they established the memory of the Venerable Mary and honor the day of her repose. Abba John, abbot of the monastery, according to the word of the monk, with God’s help corrected what needed to be done in the monastery. Abba Zosima, having lived a life pleasing to God in the same monastery and not quite reaching the age of one hundred, ended his temporary life here, passing into eternal life.

T How the ancient ascetics of the glorious monastery of the holy, all-praised Forerunner of the Lord John, located on the Jordan, conveyed to us the wondrous story of the life of the Venerable Mary of Egypt. This story was not originally written down by them, but was reverently passed on by the holy elders from mentors to disciples.

I same,- says Saint Sophronius, Archbishop of Jerusalem, the first describer of the Life, - what he received in turn from the holy fathers, he committed everything to written history.

May God, who works great miracles and rewards with great gifts all who turn to Him with faith, reward both those who read and listen, and those who conveyed this story to us, and grant us a good share with the blessed Mary of Egypt and with all the saints, who have pleased God with their thoughts of God and their labors from centuries. Let us also give glory to God the Eternal King, and let us also be granted mercy on the Day of Judgment in Christ Jesus our Lord; to Him belongs all glory, honor, and power, and worship with the Father, and the Most Holy and Life-giving Spirit, now and ever and forever and ever, Amen.