Venerable MARY OF EGYPT (†522)

Mary of Egypt. Who was she? A great sinner, a harlot, insatiable in sin, she lived in Alexandria, famous for its luxury and vices. The grace of God and the intercession of the Mother of God turned her to repentance, and her repentance surpassed in strength both her sins and the idea of ​​what was possible for human nature. The Reverend spent 47 years in the desert, of which for 17 years (exactly as much as she sinned) she waged a fierce struggle with the passions that overwhelmed her, until the Grace of God cleansed her, until she washed and brightened her soul to the state of an angel.

In the old days, it was believed that Mary of Egypt would judge all harlots at the afterlife court. They said that through the prayer of parents, she can save a son or daughter who has turned away from the true path from a life of fornication and lewdness. The peasants spent the Day of Mary of Egypt in strict abstinence.

Every year during Great Lent, the Orthodox Church remembers the feat of Mary of Egypt and her amazing life (the reading of her life takes place on Wednesday evening). On Thursday of the 5th week at Matins it is read penitential canon Andrey Kritsky. It contains an appeal specifically to her, the Venerable Mary. "Mary's Standing" - this is what this service is called. Standing in repentance. Standing in faith. Standing in the fight against sin.

***

Saint Mary of Egypt was a repentant harlot who lived in the 5th century. At the age of 12, she left her parents from an Egyptian village to Alexandria, where she lived as a harlot for 17 years, meeting with her lovers both for pay and voluntarily.

Noticing a crowd of pilgrims heading to Jerusalem for the feast of the erection of the cross, she joins them with unclean intentions, pays the shipmen for transportation with her body, and then continues fornication in Jerusalem itself.

In Jerusalem, Mary tried to enter the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, but some invisible force “three times and four times” held her back and did not let her in. Realizing her fall, she began to pray in front of the icon of the Mother of God, located in the vestibule of the temple. After this, she was able to enter the temple and venerate the Life-Giving Cross. Enlightened by such punishment, she vows to henceforth live in purity.

Having asked the Virgin Mary to continue to guide her, Mary of Egypt hears someone’s voice: “Cross the Jordan and you will find blissful peace,”- and accepts it as a sign given to her. She buys three loaves of bread for alms and goes with them into the Trans-Jordanian desert. For the first 17 years, she is haunted by enticing memories of her former life, of wine and riotous songs: “When I started eating, I dreamed of the meat and wine that I ate in Egypt; I wanted to drink my favorite wine. While in the world, I drank a lot of wine, but here I had no water; I was exhausted from thirst and suffered terribly. Sometimes I had a very embarrassing desire to sing the prodigal songs to which I was accustomed. Then I shed tears, beat myself on the chest and remembered the vows I made when leaving for the desert.”

Then all temptations suddenly recede, and “great silence” sets in for the hermit. Meanwhile, the worn out himation disintegrates; Mary is tormented by summer heat and winter cold, from which she has nothing to cover her naked body. She feeds on tough desert grasses, and later, apparently, ceases to need food at all. In complete solitude, without books and, moreover, without literacy, she acquires a wonderful knowledge of sacred texts.

For 47 years she has not met a single person. The only person who saw Mary after she left for the desert was Hieromonk Zosima. He, following the rules of the Jordan monastery, withdrew into the desert for fasting and prayer during Lent. There he met Maria, to whom he gave half of his himation (outer clothing) to cover his nakedness.

He witnessed miracles and saw how, during prayer, she rose into the air and hung in weightlessness about half a meter from the ground. Filled with awe, Zosima asked Maria to tell him about her life. Having told him everything, Mary asked Zosima to return in a year with the holy gifts and give her communion, but she said not to cross the Jordan, but to wait for her on the other side.

A year later, as Mary said, Zosima on Maundy Thursday, taking the Holy Gifts, went to the bank of the Jordan. There he saw Maria walking along the other bank and thought how she could cross the river without a boat, but Maria, before his eyes, crossed the river on water as if on land, approached the astonished Zosima and took communion from his hands. Mary asked Zosima to come to the first place of their meeting a year later and then again crossed the Jordan on the water and retired into the desert.

Having come to the desert another year in the hope of seeing the saint, he no longer found her alive. Zosima found her body and next to it there was an inscription: “Bury, Abba Zosima, in this place the body of the humble Mary, give ashes to ashes. Pray to God for me, who died in the month, in Egyptian Farmufius, in Roman April, on the first day, on the night of the saving Passion of Christ, after communion of the Divine Mysteries.” Not knowing how to dig a grave, he saw a lion emerging from the desert, which with its claws dug a hole for burying the body of the righteous woman. This happened in 522. Returning to the monastery, Zosima told the other monks about the ascetic who had lived in the desert for many years. This tradition was transmitted orally until it was written down in the 7th century by Sophronius of Jerusalem.

Christian doctrine considers the example of Mary of Egypt as an example of perfect repentance.

Many churches are dedicated to Mary of Egypt; in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem there is a chapel in honor of St. Mary of Egypt, built on the site of her conversion.

The ark with a particle of the relics of the Venerable Mary of Egypt is located in the Sretensky Monastery in Moscow.

Troparion, 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, for it passes away, but to adhere to the souls, things that are immortal. Likewise, the angels will rejoice, O Reverend Mary, your spirit.

Kontakion, tone 4:
Having escaped the darkness of sin, having illuminated your heart with the light of repentance, glorious one, you came to Christ, to whom, the all-immaculate and holy Mother, you brought a merciful prayer book. You have found forgiveness from your sins and sins, and you will rejoice with the angels forever.

Prayer:
Hear the unworthy prayer of us sinners, deliver us, reverend mother, from the passions that war on our souls, from all sorrow and adversity, from sudden death and from all evil, at the hour of separation of soul and body, cast away, holy saint, all evil thought and crafty demons, as if our souls may receive our souls in peace into a place of light, Christ the Lord our God, as from him the cleansing of sins, and He is the salvation of our souls, to Him belongs all glory and honor; and worship with the Father and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.

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 the 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: “Oh, 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 peace."

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 commands.”

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 again the first gray-haired-tsa of the holy Ve-li-co-hundred came, the venerable 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 great 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-dear Ma -rii. Everyone was amazed, hearing about the greatness of God, and with fear, faith and love, they decided to create memory Most Like Mary and count 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 old men 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.

See: in the book of St. Di-mit-ria of Ro-stov.

See also: St. Philaret of Chernigov.

Prayers

Troparion of Venerable Mary of Egypt

In you, mother, it is known that you were saved, even in the image,/ having accepted the cross, you followed Christ/ and, in your deeds, you taught to despise the flesh, which passes away,/ to lay close to the souls things that are immortal.// Likewise, the venerable Angela will rejoice Marie, your spirit.

Translation: In you, O mother, that which is in us in the image [of God] was surely saved: for, having accepted the cross, you followed Christ and by your deeds you taught to despise the flesh, for it will pass away, but to be zealous for the soul, the immortal thing. That is why your spirit rejoices with the angels, Reverend Mary.

Kontakion of Saint Mary of Egypt

Having escaped the darkness of sin,/ having illuminated your heart with the light of repentance, O glorious one,/ you came to Christ,/ to whom the All-Immaculate and Holy Mother/ You brought a merciful prayer book./ From there and you have found forgiveness of your sins, // and you will always rejoice with the Angels.

Translation: Having escaped the darkness of sin, having illuminated your heart with the light of repentance, worthy of fame, you came to Christ, and made His All-Immaculate and Holy Mother your merciful Prayer Book. That’s why you received forgiveness of your sins and always rejoice with the Angels.

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 life,/ destroying the demon of the cross with weapons.// For the sake of the Kingdom, the bride has appeared Thou art, most glorious Mary.

Translation: Having at first been embraced by all things, now you have appeared as the bride of Christ through, imitating the angelic life and destroying demons with the weapon of the cross. That is why you became a bride, most glorious Mary.

The Greatness of the Venerable Mary of Egypt

We magnify you, like Mother Mary, and honor your holy memory, teacher of monks and interlocutor of Angels.

Prayer of St. Mary of Egypt

Oh, great saint of Christ, Reverend Mary! In Heaven you stand before the Throne of God, but on earth you are with us in the spirit of love, having boldness in 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 deliverance from famine and destruction, for the afflicted, consolation, for the sick - healing, for the fallen - restoration knowledge, strengthening for those who have gone astray, success and blessing in good deeds, intercession for orphans and widows and to those who have departed from this life - eternal rest, but on the day of the Last Judgment, at the right hand of the land, we will all be commoners of life and the blessed voice of My Judge: come, you blessed of My Father, inherit what has been prepared you have the Kingdom from the foundation of the world, and you will receive it there forever. Amen.

Canons and Akathists

Canon of St. Mary of Egypt

Song 1

Irmos: Ancient Israel walked across the sea of ​​the dark abyss with wet feet, and with the cross-shaped hands of Moses defeated the power of Amalek in the desert.

Cleanse my humble soul from the filth of sins, by Thy mercy, O Christ, and cast away the darkness and darkness of passions through Thy venerable prayers.

Having desecrated your spiritual nobility with carnal passions, you have enlightened your mind with abstinence, oh, honest one, having cleared your soul with clouds of tears.

You have escaped the plague of passions, as if from a source of sin, and, having freed yourself from Pharaoh’s fierce defilement, you have now inherited the earth without passion, and the angels rejoice forever.

Theotokos: Behold Your icon, O Lady, Pure Mother of God, and the Word born from Your most pure, Virgin, womb, and the glorious One asks You for this warmth as a guarantor.

Song 3

Irmos: Your Church dwells in You, Christ, calling: You are my strength, Lord, and refuge, and confirmation.

Your wounds became stale and bowed, but with the source of your tears you washed them warmly.

You defeated the demonstrators of the people, and you wounded your passionate outbursts with tears.

I am like a morning cloud and like a drop, dripping, I was to everyone, shedding the waters of saving repentance.

Theotokos: T I am the Representative, Pure, and possessor of salvation and strength, the Holy Cross of the tree, honorable, bow down.

Kontakion, tone 3

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.

Sedalen, voice 8

In the play of all the flesh, having curbed the illnesses of fasting, you showed courageous wisdom to your soul, for having desired to see the image of the Cross, you, ever-memorable, crucified it to the world, out of necessity and to the zeal of an immaculate life, you zealously erected for yourself, all-blessed, most glorious Mary. Pray to Christ, the God of sins, to leave taxes to those who honor your holy memory with love.

Song 4

Irmos: Having seen the Church on the Cross, the Righteous Sun, standing in His rank, was exalted, worthy of crying out: glory to Thy power, Lord.

You have fled from those who exist in the world and are sweet to all, but you have become purely united with the One through extreme abstinence and patience in your deeds.

Thou hast truly dried up the bodily movements and kindlings of abstinence, from which thou hast adorned the soul, O all-glorious Mary, with Divine visions and deeds.

Through your virtuous power, through tears and extreme fasting, through prayer and food, through winter and nakedness, you were an honest companion of the Holy Spirit.

Theotokos: Having resorted to Your icon, and born of You, Virgin Mary, through You you will now find immortal life, rejoicing in paradise.

Song 5

Irmos: You, Lord, you have come into the world as my light, Holy Light, turn those who sing of You from the darkness of ignorance to faith.

You followed in the footsteps of Christ, rejoicing, bearing your cross on a frame, Mary, and you killed the demons.

You provided us with treatment for repentance, you showed us the path leading again to life that does not perish.

You, honest one, be an invincible intercessor and deliver me from passions and all sorts of illnesses with your prayers to the Lord.

Theotokos: Looking at Your icon, the Pure Lady, always praying to You, the venerable one puts to shame the attacks of passions.

Song 6

Irmos: I will devour Thee with a voice of praise, O Lord, the Church cries out to Thee, having been cleansed of demonic blood for the sake of mercy from Thy side with the flowing Blood.

Then you washed away the filth of sin, but looking towards the imperishable glory of your thoughts, now you have found prosperity through your illness, glorious one.

In this life, Mary, your image appeared as a sinner; having sinned immeasurably, rise up in your life and cleanse the filth with tears.

Generate my humble soul, O Lover of mankind, even though I have desecrated and desecrated the unclean desires of my flesh, but You, O venerable One, have mercy on me with your prayers.

Theotokos: In this, with your soul and heart, you loved the Word born of the Virgin, Living and Incarnate, bringing you the voice, O Reverend One.

Kontakion, tone 4

Having escaped the darkness of sin, having illuminated your heart with the light of repentance, you, glorious one, came to Christ, and brought this merciful and 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.

Ikos

She, who of old in Eden covered Eve with the charm of the tree, cast you into the ditch of the Tree of the Cross, glorious Mary, and, having fled sweetness and purity, you desired it, and from there you were honored with the virgins to bring your Master into the palace, with them to enjoy worthily. Pray diligently for this, for he will give permission to many sins and make us worthy to rejoice with the Angels in His life.

Song 7

Irmos: In the cave of Abraham, the Persian youths, out of love for piety rather than being scorched by flames, cried out: Blessed art thou in the temple of Thy glory, O Lord.

Having walked the painful and narrow path in reality, having understood the soul with the kindness of virtues, you have reached Heavenly life, where there is no end, where the endless Light is Christ.

Having trampled upon all that is temporary in the world, I now rejoice with all the armies of the Angels, singing: Blessed art thou in the temple of Thy glory, O Lord.

By the treachery of the enemy and weapons, everything has been depleted by strong fasting and your prayer, reverend, and tears, and now the passions of insistence will be driven away, honorable Mary.

Theotokos: Having truly given birth to the unartificial God who was incorporeal and the Virgin who abided in truth, by Your power, O All-Honorable One, you drove away the passions and demons of the army.

Song 8

Irmos: Daniel stretched out his hand to the gaping lions in the ditch of the prison: having quenched the fiery power, girded with virtue, the zealous youths, crying out: bless all the works of the Lord, the Lord.

Having illuminated your mind with the radiance of virtues, glorious Mary, having conversed with God, having consumed your flesh with much fasting and pious thoughts, you sang, rejoicing: Bless all the works of the Lord, the Lord.

Having protected yourself by a sign of the Cross, having swam the waters of the Jordan with your waterless feet, Mary, faithfully the Heavenly Christ, His Body and Blood, having received communion, - now you release your servant, - you said.

With the Divine Priest Zosima, the secret of grace, the rapidity as I saw you of the Jordan, glorious, I passed with wet feet, possessed by fear and trembling, rejoicing, from the waist: bless, all the works of the Lord, the Lord.

Theotokos: Through You, Most Undefiled, you shook off all aphids and filth, and clothed yourself, O Lady, in the immortal robe, and through You the reverend One cried out to Your Son: Bless, O all the works of the Lord, the Lord.

Song 9

Irmos: To the uncut stone from the uncut mountain, You, Virgin, the cornerstone cut off, Christ, the aggregator of the dispersed nature, thus, joyfully, we magnify You, the Mother of God.

Now we are filled with incorruptible and truly Divine food and enjoy the mental and non-evening Light in the Heavenly villages, where the Angels pray to God for us.

Having abhorred the flowing lava and the corruption, Mary, you inherited glory and life, the blessed one. Pray to Christ for those who always perform your all-holy memory.

In the face of my sorrow, reverend one, and the groaning of my heart, see the tightness of my life, save me from my sin and spare my soul through your intercessions to the Lord.

Theotokos: In the Lady, Pure Mother of God, salvation for sinners, accept this prayer, deliver me from my sins, taking refuge in Your Son, through Your venerable prayers.

Svetilen

O image of repentance given to us, Mary, with your warm tenderness return the victory. Having acquired the Intercessor, the Mother of God Mary, prayed for us from her.

Akathist to St. Mary of Egypt

The text was approved by the Holy Synod
Russian Orthodox Church
December 28, 2018 (magazine no. 127)

Kontakion 1

Chosen by the Lord in the image of salvation for all sinners and despairers, who have risen from the depths of sin to the heights of dispassion, we bring praise to you, reverend mother, you, who have boldness towards the Generous God Yes, with your prayers guide those who call you on the path of repentance and love:

Ikos 1

Having seen the angel in the flesh in the Jordanian desert, the great Zosimas, standing in the air and praying for peace, was overcome with surprise and horror, all in awe, crying out to you like this:

Rejoice, full of grace and light;

Rejoice, freely adorned with insight.

Rejoice, standing in the air in your prayer;

Rejoice, desert treasure hidden from the world.

Rejoice, disembodied interlocutor;

Rejoice, village of the Holy Spirit.

Rejoice, miracle of God’s mercy, Mary equal to the angels.

Kontakion 2

Seeing the reverent old man, filled with horror, you advertised to him in a quiet voice, the venerable one: “Do not be afraid, Abvo Zosimo, I am not spirit, but earth, dust and ashes, and all kinds of flesh, nothing spiritual when Thoughtful and possessing not a single virtue. I am a sinner, unworthy to look up to heaven, and with the fear of sinful lips I cry to God: Alleluia.”

Ikos 2

Seeking the wondrous secret hidden within you, the elder fell before your feet, saying: “I adjure you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, for whose sake do you wear this nakedness, do not hide it from less of your life, so that you may manifest the greatness of God.” With him we also dare to please you:

Rejoice, bright height of humility;

Rejoice, inexhaustible wealth of spiritual gifts.

Rejoice, you who killed your body for the love of God;

Rejoice, you who remained united with the one God in the impassable desert.

Rejoice, shining with heavenly beauty;

Rejoice, illuminated by the light of dispassion.

Rejoice, miracle of God’s mercy, Mary equal to the angels.

Kontakion 3

“By the power of the Most High, we confess to you, O man of God, my sins and iniquities,” you answered Zosima, “I am ashamed, father, forgive me, but even though you have seen my body naked, It’s terrible and my business, but I pray to you first: don’t run from me, I can’t bear to hear what I have done; but, having mercy on me, pray for me, the prodigal, and call to God, who did not abhor me: Alleluia.”

Ikos 3

“Having unspeakable mercy, having supped with tax collectors and sinners, You and I, in the depths of fallen destruction, stretched out Your Divine hand, when I desired to enter into the temple of the Lord, a certain Bar me from entering, but touch my heart with the light of reason, show me the mud my affairs; and began to cry about sins, beating in Persia and weeping bitterly,” - you advertised this, Mary, but we, marveling at your repentance, bring you the following chant:

Rejoice, as the night that has passed has risen to the dawn of salvation;

Rejoice, for the voice of Christ has called the lost sheep from the wilds of sin.

Rejoice, for you have washed away all your filth with your tears;

Rejoice, for with your tears you have cleansed the robe of your soul.

Rejoice, for the Father has opened His generous embraces of love to you;

Rejoice, for He who knows the secret handwriting of your sins and discords.

Rejoice, miracle of God’s mercy, Mary equal to the angels.

Kontakion 4

Possessed by a storm of sorrowful thoughts, you saw the icon of the Most Pure Mother of God and, groaning, you cried out to Her: “Command, O Lady, that even to me, unworthy, the divine will be opened, and come in, di mi Handmaid, that having seen the Cross of Thy Son, peace and even in I will deny myself and go out from all the world, and if you command me, call to God: Alleluia.”

Ikos 4

Hearing a voice from afar saying: “If you cross the Jordan, you will find good peace,” falling on your knees before the Ever-Virgin, you advertised: “O Lady! I don’t disdain your virgin purity, my unworthy prayers, be my salvation, Teacher, guiding me on the path of repentance!” Moreover, the Angels of God, writing your confession, cried out to you at that hour:

Rejoice, you who have come from the darkness of sin to the pure light of repentance;

Rejoice, you who have rejected the fury of passions and carnal impurity.

Rejoice, you who have rejected the heavy burden of the painful work of the devil;

Rejoice, thou who liftest the good and easy yoke of Christ.

Rejoice, you who rose from the death of sin to eternal life;

Rejoice, you who ascended from the gates of destruction to the gates of paradise.

Rejoice, miracle of God’s mercy, Mary equal to the angels.

Kontakion 5

The Most Holy Virgin enlightens you with God’s bright rays of grace, for the Helper of sinners to the God of existence, opens for you the doors of God’s mercy and the gates of the holy temple, having entered with many With my tears you bowed to the Life-Giving Tree, by which the world was saved, and to the crucified Lord, His Blood for yours deliverance to him who poured out, you sang with gratitude: Alleluia.

Ikos 5

Having seen the secrets of God and how He is ready to receive the repentant, O all-praised Mary, you cried out with all your heart: “O Lady Theotokos! Don’t leave me!” - and you rushed into the desert on the floor of the Jordan, but we, honoring your flight, meet you with these songs:

Rejoice, for your heart has been filled with the all-forgiving love of the Savior;

Rejoice, for you tried to hide the treasure of grace that you received in the desert.

Rejoice, for thou hast quickly escaped the sinful sweets of the world;

Rejoice, for you have hastened your irrevocable procession to heaven every day.

Rejoice, for the demons have fallen from your zealous exodus;

Rejoice, for your presence in the sorrowful desert made the Heavens rejoice.

Rejoice, miracle of God’s mercy, Mary equal to the angels.

Kontakion 6

Preach to all the fallen and despairing, all-honorable, God's love for mankind, and show the power of repentance, which washes, cleanses, brightens the sinful soul, and lifts sorrow, and creates joy by the Angel of God To the living, with him we also call with mortal lips: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

The shining of the world from the desert of Jordan, the light of your great deeds, Mary, ever-glorious, has lasted many years, like adamant, solid and an unshakable pillar, you remained, like with the fierce beasts, with the lusts with yours, fighting and with the weapons of the Cross, reflecting the kindled arrows of the evil one. For this reason, marveling at your natural patience, we call to you with love:

Rejoice, for you endured the hardships of labor in the desert for fourty and eight years;

Rejoice, for you endured the scorching of the sun and the scourge of the night in your nakedness.

Rejoice, you who are exhausted by hunger and thirst;

Rejoice, protected from death by the protection of the Mother of God.

Rejoice, for in the struggle against the sin that lives in you, you fought until you bled to death.

Rejoice, for you have certainly put to death every desire of the flesh.

Rejoice, miracle of God’s mercy, Mary equal to the angels.

Kontakion 7

Although I create an obstacle to your bright procession to Heaven, O all-blessed one, the primordial enemy of the human race does not cease to infuse you with unclean thoughts, the fire of sin in your deeds is liquefied and brings For you to remember the images of your previous life. But you, the long-suffering one, threw yourself to the ground, watering you with tears and calling for help to the Ever-Virgin, and you did not rise from the earth until the sweet light shone upon you, giving thanks to the song of Bo Gu: Alleluia.

Ikos 7

The new man, created according to God, you appeared, O Holy One, having completely killed the old man, you clothed yourself in Christ, the all-wonderful one, for seventy years of countless troubles. having given. About this you advertised to Zosima: “From then to this day the power of God has preserved my sinful soul and humble body.” Take, therefore, from us, unworthy, this great praise:

Rejoice, for you have put to death the leaping passions;

Rejoice, for you have conquered nature itself.

Rejoice, for you have cleansed your soul and flesh from all sin;

Rejoice, for the Lord dwells in the temple.

Rejoice, for thou hast put on the robe of spiritual joy;

Rejoice, for you have entered into the eternal rest of the Son of God.

Rejoice, miracle of God’s mercy, Mary equal to the angels.

Kontakion 8

Your strange and glorious change, O venerable one, seeing the demons of the dark flocks, weeping bitterly, while all the Powers of Heaven are playing with joy, singing a song to Christ, glorifying God’s mercy , irresistible by human sins, calls with a great voice: Alleluia.

Ikos 8

You were all in God, Mary, all-rich, when Zosima, walking around the desert, was honored to see you. “I adjure you, Father, by the Savior God, so that you tell no one what you have heard from me, until God takes me up from the earth,” you commanded him. “Now depart in peace, and in the fast of the coming summer I will partake of the Holy Mysteries of Christ on the bridge of Jordan.” This rexhi, like a desert-loving and uncontrollable turtle dove, hid itself from the sight of the old man, bowed to the ground and, having kissed the place where you stood, cried out:

Rejoice, for you have bared yourself from the cold of sin;

Rejoice, for you are whiter than snow;

Rejoice, for you have overcome the darkness of passion;

Rejoice, for you have been enlightened more than the rays of the sun.

Rejoice, first a harlot, now the bride of Christ;

Rejoice, for all your sins are forgiven by God.

Rejoice, miracle of God’s mercy, Mary equal to the angels.

Kontakion 9

“Every thought and mind is horrified by your illness, O all-validated one, because you endured the labor of the desert of love for the sake of God,” cried Zosima, the great one among his fathers, sobbing. - Oh, spiritual mother! You have drawn near to God, and I would like, if only it were powerful for us, to follow you, and to behold your honest face, and together with you to sing in silence: Alleluia.”

Ikos 9

The wisdom of earthly beings does not suffice for worthy praise of your exploits, all-honorable one. Who is content to shed the tears that you shed in prayers to God, who will honor your illnesses, who will confess the all-night vigils, struggles and cramped conditions of your life? Having enlightened the whole desert with miracles, like the sun, you shone forth, the all-wonderful one, therefore we pray to you: illumine our hearts with the rays of your light and ask for forgiveness of sins to all those who cry out to you like this:

Rejoice, thou who hast imagined the darkened image of God into greatness within oneself;

Rejoice, having escaped the stench of sin, fragrant with heavenly aromas.

Rejoice, adorned with stars of miracles;

Rejoice, shining with the rays of virtues.

Rejoice, thou who preachest the greatness of God to all the ends of the earth;

Rejoice, calling heaven and earth to the singing of the glory of your Lord.

Rejoice, miracle of God’s mercy, Mary equal to the angels.

Kontakion 10

The Savior God the Life-Giving Body and Blood together, on the day of the Mysterious Supper of Christ, Abba Zosima, according to your will, reverend mother, in the evening it was very late and went to the bank of the Jordan, steadily into the desert illuminated by moonlight, in vain and praying to God, saying: “Show me, Lord, Thy treasure, which thou hast hid in the desert! Show me an angel in the flesh, so that I will not go away empty-handed, bearing my sins for reproof, but rejoicing, I call to You: Alleluia.”

Ikos 10

The old man thought that the impassable wall would be the Jordan River between him and you, venerable woman; Both of you, standing on a distant breeze, made the sign of the cross over the Jordan and with prayer you walked on the water, as if on dry land. Zosima, seeing you coming on the waters of the Jordan, cried out to you in horror and joy:

Rejoice, inhabitant of the heavenly paradise of God;

Rejoice, for the creature obeys your command.

Rejoice, for the Jordan serves you;

Rejoice, for the moon and stars marvel at your shrine.

Rejoice, marvelous manifestation of the power of God;

Rejoice, temple of the Living God, animated.

Rejoice, miracle of God’s mercy, Mary equal to the angels.

Kontakion 11

“It is fitting for you to offer singing to Almighty God, Abvo,” you advertised to him who walked on the water. - What are you doing, this priest, how you want to bow to me, you poor thing, you yourself bear the terrible Secrets of Christ God! Those who worship with faith and love, dust and earth of existence, I call with fear: Alleluia.”

Ikos 11

Shining with the heavenly light, you partook of the Divine Mysteries and were filled with worldly joys, and raising your hand to heaven, you proclaimed: “Now do you let go of your servant, O Master!” Turning to the elder, you said: “Oh, Abvo Zosimo! This coming summer you will see me again in the desert, as the Lord wants. Pray to Him for me, my Father, pray, always remembering my damnation.” And having once again raised the Jordan banner, you passed over the top of the water, but the old man, not daring to hold you, groaned and sobbed, crying after you like this:

Rejoice, you who bear the deadness of the Lord Jesus in your body;

Rejoice, shining glory of His Resurrection.

Rejoice, thou clothed with grace, as with a robe of light;

Rejoice, radiant monastery of the All-Holy Trinity.

Rejoice, for the powers of hell are terrified and tremble at your glory;

Rejoice, for the Angels of God marvel at your purity.

Rejoice, miracle of God’s mercy, Mary equal to the angels.

Kontakion 12

Inspired by Divine grace, in one hour you crossed the length of the desert and on the night of Christ’s saving Passion, after communion of the Divine Last Supper, you fell asleep in holy sleep, praying for peace, and you have given up your spirit to the Lord, to whom you now call with the angels in mysterious joy: Alleluia .

Ikos 12

Singing a funeral hymn, God-wise Zosima washed your nose with honest tears, and praying a lot, covered your body with earth, your bare existence and nothing, like an old mantle, Having already given you, we will overcome many with joy and fear, marveling at the greatness of God, standing, calling to this is for you:

Rejoice, for, child of the light of existence, you have passed to the non-evening Light;

Rejoice, for your spirit has received with joy the hosts of saints.

Rejoice, for your body rests in the tomb, like the lion from the wilderness for you;

Rejoice, for through you the Lord shows us how far we fall short of the measure of perfection.

Rejoice, greatness of fasters and glory of venerable ones;

Rejoice, intercessor for the whole world to God.

Rejoice, miracle of God’s mercy, Mary equal to the angels.

Kontakion 13

Oh, reverend mother, blessed Mary! Accept from us the prayer we present to you now and, standing before the unapproachable Light, pray to the All-Generous God, that in His great mercy He may send down the radiant grace of repentance to all of us, the lost children of Heaven of the Father, yes, having risen from sin to the fatherly house, in the villages of paradise we will be made worthy, together with by you sing thanksgiving to Him forever: Alleluia.

This kontakion is read three times, then the 1st ikos “Angel in the flesh...” and the 1st kontakion “Chosen by the Lord...”.

Prayer

Oh, great saint of Christ, reverend Mother Mary! In Heaven you stand before the Throne of God, but on earth you are with us in the spirit of love, having boldness in the Lord, pray to save His servants, who flow to you with love. Ask us from the Many-Merciful Master and Lord of our faith for immaculate observance of our faith, 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 the fallen, for admonition to the wandering, prosperity and blessing in good deeds, intercession to the orphans and widows and those who have wandered away from this life is eternal rest. Be a strong intercessor, wondrous mother Mary, so that on the Day of the Last Judgment we all may share in life and hear the blessed voice of the Judge of the world: come, blessed ones of My Father, I will inherit Take the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Amen.

Holy Venerable Mary of Egypt Orthodox Church is considered the standard of perfect and sincere repentance. It is not for nothing that many icons of St. Mary of Egypt are painted in such a way that from them one can reconstruct the events of the saint’s life. The whole week of Lent is dedicated to this saint.

At the All-Night Vigil of the fifth week of Lent, the life of the saint is read and troparia and kontakia (hymns) dedicated to her are sung. People call this service “Mary’s Standing”. Memorial Day of Mary of Egypt is celebrated on April 1/14.

Biography of the saint

The future saint was born in the middle of the fifth century after the Nativity of Christ in Egypt and from the age of twelve she ran away from home to the huge city of that time, Alexandria. The girl plunged headlong into the vicious world of the port city. She liked debauchery, she sincerely believed that everyone spent their time like this and did not know any other life.

For seventeen years, Mary lived this life until she accidentally got on a ship bound for Jerusalem. Most of the passengers were pilgrims. They all dreamed of getting to the Holy Land and worshiping the shrine. However, the young woman had other plans for this. On the ship, Maria behaved provocatively and continued to seduce the male half.

Change in life

Together with everyone in the Holy Land, the saint wanted to enter the Church of the Exaltation of the Cross, but extraordinary power did not allow her inside. Several attempts did not lead to success, and this event amazed her so much that, sitting down near the church, she thought about her life. Accidentally my gaze fell on the face Holy Mother of God and Mary's heart melted. She instantly realized the horror and depravity of her life. The saint bitterly regretted what she had done and cried, begging the Mother of God to let her into the temple. Finally, the threshold of the temple opened before her and, going inside, Mary of Egypt fell before the Cross of the Lord.

After this incident, Mary went beyond the Jordan River with a small piece of bread and spent 47 years in solitude and prayer. The saint devoted 17 years to repenting and struggling with prodigal passion; she spent the remaining time in prayer and repentance. Two years before her holy death, Mary of Egypt met with Elder Zosima, asked him to give her communion the following year, and when she received the Holy Gifts, she soon passed into another world in a blessed dormition.

Icons of the Venerable Hermit

On the icon, Mary of Egypt is depicted in different ways. On some she is painted half-naked, since from her long stay in the desert all the saint’s clothes have decayed and only the himation (cloak) of Elder Zosima covers her. Often on such icons the saint is depicted with crossed arms.

In another icon, Mary of Egypt holds a cross in her hand, and the other points to it. The saint is often painted with flowing gray hair, arms crossed on her chest, palms open. This gesture means that the saint belongs to Christ and at the same time it is a symbol of the Cross.

The position of the hands on the icon of Mary of Egypt may be different. For example, if the middle and index fingers are crossed, this is a speaking gesture. In other words, a prayer of repentance.

The saint helps everyone who resorts to her help. People who are confused in life and at a crossroads can sincerely pray to the saint and will undoubtedly accept help. Open palms on the chest, written on the icon of Mary of Egypt, mean that she accepted grace.

How does the saint help?

You need to ask Mary of Egypt for forgiveness for your sins. She especially helps repentant women. But for sincere repentance, you need to work hard, reconsider your life, pray fervently, not miss divine services, lead a righteous life, if possible, and so on.

How else does the icon of Mary of Egypt help? It is believed that in order to make amends to someone, one should pray in front of the holy icon, first light a candle or lamp and sincerely ask for forgiveness before God, asking Mary of Egypt to be a mediator between the repentant and the Lord.

Icon with the Life of Mary of Egypt

It is known that the saint shared the story of her life with the holy elder Zosima. He personally saw her walking on water as if on dry land and saw the saint standing in the air during prayer.

On many icons, Mary of Egypt is depicted in the middle with her hands raised in prayer, and Elder Zosima is kneeling in front of her, with fragments of individual events of her life written around her. For example, how she crossed the Jordan as if on dry land, how she received Holy Communion, the death of the saint and other events. Elder Zosima is also depicted several times.

One legend is known: when Mary of Egypt died, the elder could not bury her, since he had nothing with which to dig a grave in the desert. Suddenly a meek lion appears and digs a hole with its paws, into which the elder placed the incorruptible remains of Saint Mary of Egypt. This event is also depicted on the icon of the venerable hermit.

There are many icons where only one event from the life of the saint is written. For example, where she receives the Holy Gifts from the hands of Elder Zosima or where Mary of Egypt crosses the Jordan. There is an icon depicting the saint praying to the Mother of God and the Child sitting on Her lap.

Any believer, knowing the life story of St. Mary of Egypt, loving and admiring the feat of this unusual woman, will never confuse the icon of St. Mary of Egypt with the icon of another saint.

Life of the Venerable Mary of Egypt- one of the greatest saints in the entire history of Christianity. Mary of Egypt- saint, considered the patroness of penitents.

In a Palestinian monastery in the vicinity of Caesarea lived the monk Zosima. Sent to a monastery from childhood, he labored there until he was 53 years old, when he was confused by the thought: “Will there be a holy man in the most distant desert who has surpassed me in sobriety and work?”

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

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.

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.

Having said the prayer and the appointed number prostrations, the elders, having asked each other for forgiveness, took a blessing from the abbot and accompanied by the general 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. 26, 1) opened the monastery gates and went into the desert.

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

When did it end Lent, the monks returned to the monastery on Palm Sunday with the fruit of his work ( Rome. 6, 21-22), having examined your conscience ( 1 Pet. 3, 16). At the same time, no one asked anyone how he worked and accomplished his feat.

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.

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, he 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 turned white like a lamb’s fleece. . Abba Zosima was delighted, since during these days he had not seen a single living creature, and immediately headed in his direction.

But 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 to tearfully beg the retreating ascetic: “Why are you running from me, a sinful old man, saving yourself 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.”

The unknown man, without turning around, shouted to him: “Forgive me, Abba Zosima, I cannot, having turned, appear to your face: I am a woman, and, as you can see, I have no clothes on 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.”

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

Covering herself with a cloak, the ascetic turned to Zosima: “What did you think, Abba Zosima, to talk to me, a sinful and unwise woman? What do you want to learn from me and, sparing no effort, have spent so much effort?

He, kneeling down, asked her blessing. In the same way, she bowed down 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.”

These words frightened the Monk 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. It is your duty to bless me, for the Lord’s sake.”

Finally yielding to Zosima’s stubbornness, the saint said: “Blessed is God, who desires the salvation of all people.” Abba Zosima answered “Amen,” and they rose 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?”

Abba Zosima answered her: “Through your holy prayers, God gave the Church and us all perfect peace. But you too, 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.”

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 fervently and not daring to say anything other than “Lord, have mercy!”

A thought came into his soul - was it a ghost leading him into temptation? The venerable ascetic, turning around, lifted him from the ground and said: “Why are you so confused by your thoughts, Abba Zosima? I'm not a ghost. I am a sinful and unworthy woman, although I am protected by holy Baptism.”

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. You also live by it, because for this reason I was sent to this desert, so that God would make all your fasting deeds obvious to the world.”

And the holy ascetic said: “I am embarrassed, father, to tell you about my shameless deeds. For then you will have to run from me, closing your eyes and ears, as you run from 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.

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.

While 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.

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.

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

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.

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 her with a prayer: “O Virgin, Lady, who gave birth to God in the flesh - 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 not to defile myself any more 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 privileged to see Life-giving Cross Lord's.

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:

“O our Benevolent 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 so, not yet finishing my prayer, I hear a voice, as if speaking from afar: “If you cross the Jordan, you will find blissful peace.”

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. I’m a nasty sinner, but help me,” and she 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.

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.”

Abba Zosima asked the monk: “How many years, my mother, have passed since you settled in this desert?” “I think,” she answered, 47 years have passed since I left the Holy City.”

Abba 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 ate from them for many years.”

Abba Zosima asked again: “Have you really been without illness for so many years? And didn’t you accept any temptations from sudden excuses and temptations?” “Believe me, Abba Zosima,” answered the venerable woman, “I spent 17 years in this desert, as if fighting with fierce beasts with my thoughts... When I began to eat food, the thought immediately came of meat and fish, 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.

Forgone thoughts, forgive me, Abba, how can I confess them 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.

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.”

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

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), because Man will not live on bread alone, but on every word of God (Matt. 4, 4 ; OK. 4, 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.”

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?”

She smiled after listening to this question and answered: “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 a man all understanding (Col. 3, 16 ; 2 Pet. 1, 21 ; 1 Thess. 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 our Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ, that you do not tell anything that you have heard from me 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.”

Again 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.

“Stay, Abba,” the saint 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: pay attention to yourself and 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.”

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

All 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.

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 until Holy Week in the monastery.

The day of remembering the Last Supper has approached. Then Abba Zosima fulfilled what he was commanded - 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.

Finally the saint 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.”

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 not lying, who promised to liken to Himself all those who purify themselves, as far as possible, to mortals. Glory to Thee, Christ our God, who showed me through His holy servant how far I fall from the standard of perfection.”

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

Then the monk again turned to the elder and said: “Forgive me, Abba, and fulfill my other desire. 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,” answered Abba Zosima, “to continually 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 curse.” 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.

A year passed, and Abba Zosimas 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 at 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.”

Having read this inscription, Abba Zosima was at first surprised 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.

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 commanded. 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 do nothing. 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.

Arriving at the monastery, Abba Zosima told the monks and the 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 venerable one, with God's help corrected what needed to be done in the monastery. Abba Zosima, having lived for a time 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.

Thus, 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.

But I,” says Saint Sophronius, Archbishop of Jerusalem (March 11), the first descriptor of the Life, “what I received in my turn from the holy fathers, have 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.

Akathist to Mary of Egypt

Original taken from mon_sofia in THE RIDDLE OF MARIA Marina Biryukova

Venerable Mary of Egypt

Mary of Egypt is perhaps the only holy woman depicted on icons with her head uncovered. With short white hair. With dead, brittle hair, dried and bleached by the merciless desert sun. This portrait detail is reflected in the life - a rare case.
And not only is her head uncovered in the icons, but she herself is barely covered by the cloak of Elder Zosima, who, as is known, found her in the Trans-Jordanian desert in the 47th year of her hermitage.

The week of Mary of Egypt is approaching - I feel that I definitely need her icon. This was not the case in previous years. Every year, every Lent, I... what, think about her more and more? No, rather, I feel it more and more deeply, although I cannot explain this feeling to myself. How is she present in my life, in my soul, this Egyptian woman, the repentant harlot and hermit? Roughly, unchurchly speaking, why did she captivate me so much?..

I buy a small icon and find a place for it in the red corner of my home. “Reverend Mother Mary, pray to God for us” - this is how the Church sings at the beginning of Great Lent, and then - at Matins on Thursday of the fifth week, at St. Mary’s Station.

Why am I so looking forward to this Thursday, or rather Wednesday evening? A very long service, extremely tiring: the Great Canon of Andrew of Crete in its entirety, and even the Life of Mary, read - also a rare case! - in modern Russian... Why?.. If it’s really necessary, I could re-read it at home, especially since I’ve read it more than once. But what I’m looking forward to is reading the life in church - re-reading it at home can’t replace it for me. And am I alone? The Church on Mariino St. will be jam-packed, regardless of the weekday, this is already known. Why do we love her so much, this Mary of Egypt?

And why do I pray to her for love and mutual understanding, for overcoming conflicts and grievances, for softening hearts? Where did I get the idea that she would certainly help me in a painful situation involving another person? Did she become famous for her peacemaking, for the consolation of the grieving, the wounded, the offended, for the love she poured out on everyone?.. No, life says that she did not communicate with anyone at all except Elder Zosima during the entire time of her terrible desert feat.

I pray to Mary for one person, a deacon, who is now banned from ministry for actions incompatible with the priesthood. That is, for the street habit of resolving all disputes with fists, multiplied by an addiction to alcohol. A big man with a real deacon's bass voice, who also practiced boxing, he was a constant source of danger in the parish. It would be good if he barked at a woman who rustled a bag at the wrong time or dropped her keys on the stone floor. It would be good if he only came to the morning service with a hangover... However, he could repent and ask for forgiveness - both from the rector and from the same offended parishioner, he could kneel in front of her and kiss her hand, overcoming her resistance. They pitied him, this crazy deacon with a difficult childhood, he was punished and forgiven... until the cup of patience finally ran out. So why am I now praying for this man Mary of Egypt? Because he cried while reading her life in the temple. At first he tried to hide the tears that were coming, he sniffled, it seemed to everyone that he just had a cold, and then everything burst out. And this is also a mystery. What touched this man so much about the fate of the repentant harlot of Alexandria? In her desert feat?..

Of course, Mary will not leave neither the forbidden deacon, nor me, nor that person with whom I recently had a painful and incomprehensible conflict (he, by the way, loves her too), nor... Mary will not leave any of us, and we almost feel it physically - like a special warmth in the heart. If it settles in a person, then somewhere near the heart, it is like this - sorry, this is only according to my subjective feelings! - a certain feature of the presence of the Venerable Mary.

Mari's standing. Photo: Patriarchia.Ru

No matter how sad it is, no matter how much it reproaches us, our veneration of Mary of Egypt, our love for her in many (though not all, of course) cases does not have a direct, immediate connection with her feat - the feat of almost half a century of repentance - but has only an indirect connection. To truly understand what this woman was doing for 47 years in a row in a hot desert, strewn with black and white stones, without a single blade of grass, without a drop of moisture (whoever saw this desert even from the window of an air-conditioned bus can imagine...), you need to to truly see sin for yourself, to know its destructiveness, its destructiveness, to experience experimentally how sin separates us from God. And where are we to this, to a genuine vision of our sinfulness and horror of it! We have not grown up to this, but we love the ascetic of repentance, outstripping our own growth with this love.

It seems to me that many of us love Mary as the lion loved her, who licked her dead feet and then helped Elder Zosima dig a grave for her in the parched, petrified earth. What could this beast know about sin, repentance, forgiveness? He felt love - that heavenly one, lost with the fall of man, after which all creation groans and suffers together to this day (Rom. 8:22). I read somewhere about why animals were always friends with saints and served them: they felt the breath of Paradise with their animal souls. And it is not alien to us, sinners, to be drawn, even unconsciously, to the stream of heavenly air. But we cannot, of course, linger at this “bestial” or unaccountable stage - after all, we are people. And the example of the saints should teach us repentance.

But our love for Mary can be said differently. Rereading her life at home or listening to it in church, we see that she accomplished her feat... not out of fear of hellish torment, no! This motive is missing. Mary did this precisely out of the love for God that lived in her, despite her sinful and prodigal life. And love for Him is inseparable from love for man and is unthinkable without it. That is why we believe and know that the emaciated and naked Egyptian desert woman with white burnt hair loves us and will help us.