Moses the Ethiopian

Life

Saint Moses lived in Egypt in the fourth century. He was an Ethiopian, called 'Murin' for his dark skin. In his youth he was the slave of an important man, who banished him after he committed a murder; he joined a band of robbers and, because of his strength and bad character, became their leader.

Through God's mercy he repented and became a monk. He struggled long against the passions, guided by Abba Isidore, who taught him moderation in food and all-night vigil. When four robbers of his former band attacked his cell, he tied them up and carried them to the monastery; learning who he was, they too became monks. At night he carried water from the well to the cells of the elders who lived far away.

He was ordained to the priesthood, laboured fifteen years in that rank, and gathered 75 disciples. At the age of 75 he warned the monks that brigands would come and told them to leave, saying that the Lord's word 'All who take up the sword shall perish by the sword' must be fulfilled in him. Seven brethren stayed; the robbers killed him and six of them, while one who had hidden survived.

Sources: OCA Lives of the Saints. Retold in our own words.