St. Mary of Egypt +422 and Zosimus

St. Mary of Egypt +422 and Zosimus

November 5th is the commemoration of the dukhrono of St Mary of Egypt (+422) according to the liturgical calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church. St Mary of Egypt is one of the most famous female Christian saints and is also a role model for repentance in the Lord. Biography of the saint courtesy of "Martyrs, Saints & Prelates of the Syriac Orthodox Church" St. Mary was an Egyptian, who left home at the age of twelve & went to live in Alexandria, where she lived the life of a prostitute for seventeen years.There lived in Palestine a holy monk & priest named Zosimus. He was serving God for 53 years & was directed to leave the monastery for one near Jordan, where he might learn how to advance further on the path of holiness. One day Zosimus after travelling a twenty-day’s distance from monastery sat down at noon to say Psalms & to rest. Suddenly he noticed a person running away who seemed to be a hermit. Zosimus ran after him to receive his blessing but the person exclaimed: “Father Zosimus, I am a woman; throw your mantle to cover me that you may come near me.”She confessed that she lived the life of a prostitute for seventeen years, not for money, but to gratify her lust. At the age of about twenty-eight,she joined (out of curiosity) a group of pilgrims going to Jerusalem to celebrate the feast of the Holy Cross. While travelling with the pilgrims, she continued with her evil ways.Upon their arrival in Jerusalem she tried to enter the church but an invisible force held her back. After two or three ineffectual attempts, she withdrew to a corner of the outer court. Suddenly a full realization of her sinfulness swept over her. She raised her eyes to the icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, with tears. Thereafter, she was able to enter the church to venerate the cross. Then, she returned to the icon of St. Mary to give thanks. There she heard a voice which said, “Go over to Jordan & you shall find rest.”She crossed River Jordan into the wilderness & remained there for 47 years. She had seen no human being & had lived on edible plants and on dates. She was notable to read & God himself had taught her the mysteries of faith. Mary requested Zosimus not to divulge what she had said. Zosimus promised to meet her again in Jordan on the Maundy Thursday of the following year to give her Holy Communion. The next year on the Maundy Thursday, Mary received communion from Zosimus.But when Zosimus went to meet her the year after that, Mary was found dead. Zosimus buried the body of St. Mary. May the prayers of St. Mary of Egypt be with all those who are struggling with sin and carnal desires. May her intercession lead us close to God so that we may live in repentance amen.The Syriac Life of St. Mary of Egypt: https://bit.ly/LifeMaryEgypt RSoH