Ϯⲁⲅⲓⲁ Ⲙⲁⲣⲓⲁ Ⲛⲣⲉⲙⲛ̀ⲭⲏⲙⲓ
St Mary of Egypt with St Zossima
Commemoration of St Mary of Egypt in the Divine Liturgy
St. Mary of Egypt’s life story is a powerful tale of sin, redemption, and devout asceticism, providing several profound lessons. Born around 345 A.D. in Egypt, she left home at the age of 12 and moved to Alexandria. There, she led a life of debauchery and living a deeply dissolute life.
Her turning point came during a journey to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Originally, her intent in making this pilgrimage was far from spiritual; she hoped to find more partners to indulge in her lustful lifestyle. However, a miraculous encounter at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre dramatically altered her path. When she tried to enter the church, an unseen force prevented her, making her realize her impurity. Struck with remorse, she prayed for forgiveness before an icon of the Virgin Mary, vowing to abandon her sinful ways and become an ascetic. Following this, she was able to enter the church, and after venerating the relic of the True Cross, she heard a voice guiding her to cross the Jordan river for peace and rest.
Mary heeded this divine instruction and lived the remainder of her life in the desert as a hermit in penance, surviving only on minimal sustenance she found in the wilderness. Her story became known through St. Zossima of Palestine, whom she met approximately a year before her death. She shared her life’s narrative with him and asked for Holy Communion. She died in solitude, her life story preserved and told as a testament to her repentance and faith.
The feast day of St. Mary of Egypt in the Coptic Church is celebrated on April 14th (6th of the month of Baramouda in the Coptic calendar).
The life of St. Mary of Egypt teaches us several lessons. Her story is a vivid example of the power of repentance and the possibility of transformation, regardless of one’s past. It emphasizes the importance of humility, the willingness to change, and the power of divine grace to redeem and renew. Her life also underlines the value of solitude and prayer in seeking spiritual growth and connection with God. St. Mary’s story is a testament to the belief that no one is beyond redemption and that earnest seeking of forgiveness and a new path can lead to a profound spiritual awakening and a life dedicated to God.
To learn more about St Mary of Egypt
Commemoration of St Mary of Egypt from the Synaxarion readiing on the 6th of Baramouda
An ebook by Fr. Tadros Yacoub Malaty about the life of St Mary of Egypt
St Mary of Egypt and St Pope Kyrillos VI Church 