Moses, our blessed father among the saints, was an Ethiopian and, as is natural, was black in appearance. Moreover, he was likewise dark in soul before he came to know Christ, being of an alien race and a person of ill repute. He was the servant of a certain government official who discharged him because of his numerous evil deeds, thefts and other criminal acts. As he was a thief, he committed murder for the slightest reason.
He harbored malice against a certain shepherd who had prevented him from committing a certain crime, and contemplated killing him also. When he learned that the shepherd was on the opposite bank of the River Nile, which at that time was flooding, he clenched his dagger in his teeth, rolled his garment about his head and swam across the river. The shepherd noticed his approach, and abandoned his sheep and fled. When Moses failed to find the shepherd to slay him as he had planned, he chose four of the finest rams of the flock of that poor man, slaughtered them, tied them together with a rope which he had about his waist, and crossed the river again. He ate the meat and sold the skins. Then Moses returned to his companions, who were far from that place and acknowledged him as their leader. We have related these things about the saint to demonstrate that it is possible for anyone to be saved through sincere repentance, albeit they had committed a myriad of sins.
This saint came to contrition in the end because of an incident which occurred thanks to divine providence. Not only did he come to believe in Christ and was baptized, but he became a monk, in order to inflict a greater injury upon the demons who had previously exercised dominion over him. He forsook the tumults and cares of the world, because he came to hate sin with all his heart and desired Christ with all his soul. Abandoning his friends and kinfolk, material wealth and all other physical pleasures, he retired to the monastic community of Scete, asking for a habitation which was tranquil and unknown to man, wherein to lament his sins. At a distance from the other cells, he came upon a cave, the location of which was ideal in its remoteness, and resolved to remain there, in order to carry on the good struggle of faith. On the other hand, he hesitated, for the place had no physical comforts and, worse yet, no water was available. While he pondered upon this, he heard a voice from heaven saying: “Moses, enter the cave and vex thyself not concerning water!” Then at once he obeyed the voice and entered the cave with several jars full of water. When he had stayed there for some time, the water nearly became depleted.
At that point, by chance, several monks came to visit him; and seeing them, he rejoiced. He took of the little water which remained and cooked lentils, so as to offer them hospitality. He then set a table and bade them sit. Then he entered the storage room where the jars were kept and uttered a prayer to the Lord in the following words: “Lord, where is the water Thou promised me? Behold, my brethren have come and there is none to drink.” It was harvest time, and the sun shone brightly everywhere. Suddenly, a cloud appeared above the cave, and it rained down so much water that all the pottery jars were filled. The saint was overwhelmed by this occurrence and rejoiced, giving thanks unto God. When the brethren asked, he proclaimed the miracle to the glory of God. Thus, he entertained them with much love, glorifying the benevolent God Who honors His servants. After the visit, they returned to their cells, leaving the saint alone again in solitude, he hiding his virtues as much as possible, for nothing destroys the labors of a monk as does the display of virtue and human adulation. From the following example, you will perceive his profound humility and moderation.
The saint’s fame spread everywhere, for the former sinner became virtuous and performed miracles, in accordance with the Scripture: “But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.” A wealthy nobleman at that time wished to visit and receive his blessing. He launched an expedition, and together with his servants and guards arrived at Scete on horseback. He entered the church and worshipped therein, distributing lavish gifts upon the fathers. Then, he inquired of them where Moses lived, and they showed him the way. Therefore, he headed joyfully in that direction to find what he desired. When the blessed one saw the nobleman from afar, he knew by the Holy Spirit that he was coming to see him. Therefore, he went out of Scete and walked along the road, pretending he was a wayfarer. When he came up to the nobleman, the latter asked him where the abode of the renowned Abba Moses was located. He replied: “Why dost thou seek such a foolish, obscure and possessed man? Thou wilt derive much harm if thou conversest with such a backward person! Turn back and labor not needlessly and in vain!”
On hearing this, the nobleman turned away and told everyone at Scete of it, to his utter astonishment. The monks were saddened, wondering who it could have been who accused the saint so unconscionably. They asked him what type of man it was that he met, and he answered: “He was tall in stature, black in appearance, with white hair, and dressed in rags.” Then they exclaimed in amazement: “The quail eluded the hunter and escaped out of thy hands! It was he himself who spoke to thee! Trying to avoid a conversation with thee, the praiseworthy one reproached himself, in order to ward off injury to his soul by human praise and esteem!” Then, the nobleman realized that it had certainly been Moses whom he had met on the road, and he marveled at the virtue of the thrice-blessed one. He derived a good deal of profit by this and departed without troubling the saint any further, so as not to scandalize him, as it was evident Moses loved solitude and avoided exposure. The saint thus remained in his cell, thanking God, and continued to wage the good struggle of faith as before.
One day, four thieves came to the cell of the saint in order to steal whatever they could find, not knowing that he was Moses, the famous thief. Moses, strong and powerful, bound then up with ropes as easily as one ties a bale of hay. He then loaded them on his back and brought them to the common church in Scete (where the liturgy was celebrated every Sunday) and said to the fathers: “It is not permitted for me to punish them, because I am under penance. Therefore, I caught them in the act and have brought them before you. What do ye think we ought to do with them?” The brigands then realized that he was the notorious and invincible Moses; so they repented and confessed before God, putting away all worldly things, and become excellent monks, emulating him.
Together with the other virtues that the holy one possessed was his penetrating discernment in the reproof of others, so as not to judge any sinner, but rather, as one sympathetic, he would overlook the fault and would exhort others to do the same. He would use familiar examples. Hearken to one such incident to receive sound benefit.
Once a monk sinned and the sin came to light. Wherefore, all the fathers of Scete gathered to deliberate upon the matter. The thrice-blessed one was also summoned, but he did not really wish to participate. Nevertheless, they prevailed upon him to come, for he did not wish to appear disobedient. Notwithstanding, he invented an astute method, as he was discerning, and led the others to fear the judgment of God, and let the transgressing monk go unpunished, to be judged by the righteous Judge, Who is merciful and compassionate. Abba Moses took a basket with a hole in it and filled it with sand, and bore it upon his shoulders. Dripping with perspiration, he walked towards the assembly. The desert fathers went out to meet the venerable Moses. Seeing the sand pouring out behind him, they asked what was the meaning of this action. He answered with a deep sigh: “That which I carry behind me are my countless serious offenses, which I have removed from my sight, that I may come hither to condemn my brother for some isolated misdemeanor and not a habitual passion.”
On hearing these words, they were brought to utter contrition, knowing that Moses was referring to them. They forgave the sin of the brother and all returned to their cells. Moses also went back and struggled with all his might to such a degree that he was counted worthy by God to receive ordination to the priesthood, for he had been cleansed and regenerated in the waters of Holy Baptism. Now because the bishop marvelled at his superior life, he wished to adorn him with the office of priesthood. When a feast day fell on a Sunday, he came and ordained Moses against his will. Afterwards, he smiled at him and declared: “Abba Moses, now you are completely white!” Meekly and with all due respect, he answered: “Father of fathers, which is completely white, the interior or the exterior?”
The bishop, awed by the prudent response, embraced him and departed. Subsequent to this, he wished to test Moses, that the others might comprehend the wealth of his humility and this model of temperance. His plan was to invite all the clerics to a great commemoration inside one church, so that all would concelebrate. Now when Moses would come, he would be insulted, reprimanded, and dishonorably cast out. Then, an observer would follow close behind to observe his reaction to the mistreatment and to see whether he would become angry. When Moses, worthy of the priesthood, entered the sacristy to put on the holy vestments as usual, another rebuked him directly: “Get out of here, unsightly one, the world’s laughingstock, because thou hast no right to be in our company!”
Straightway, the gentle soul withdrew without being scandalized in the least by the offender; rather, he said to himself: “Didn’t I tell thee, ugly dark-skinned savage, that thou art unworthy even to speak with men? Well and proper have they rejected me.”
The informant, who was within earshot, heard this and reported it. Many were spiritually benefitted, pondered deeply upon his boundless humility, and begged him to return and concelebrate. Once again, Moses went without a trace of agitation in his heart. Thereafter, no longer was he tempted by them, as they perceived his guilessness and forbearance, but much rather, they often implored him to relate some enlightening and instructive words. So as to demonstrate ready obedience, Moses inclined to their request: “Brethren and fathers, humility humbleth the demons and vainglory exalteth them. Whosoever abaseth himself and is humble of speech enfeebleth the demons’ power. Whosoever is not lowly of mind is mocked by the demons. Also, the Lord will not hearken, neither receive his petition to whomever prayeth and doth not fix in his mind his own sinfulness. Everyone must keep before his eyes his transgressions and shameless conduct, so as not to judge others in the least, and to fulfill the salvific command of the Redeemer: ‘Judge not, lest ye be judged.’ Then it is certain that he will be saved in the end.”
"Brethren and fathers, know this, that it is impossible for one to be Christ’s soldier, if he is not at the outset transformed by His love and doth not disdain every human honor and praise, bodily self-indulgence and pleasure. Moreover, avoid indiscretion, which like fire burneth a monk’s fruits which have been acquired by painstaking labor. Therefore, it is indispensable to have these soul-saving and salutary virtues, which are acceptable to the Lord: godly fear, self-control, simplicity, meekness, reverence for God and sincere love towards all the brethren, which I, my arrogant self, black in soul and Ethiopian according to the flesh, dare to express in these words to you, my superiors. Therefore, pardon me, I beseech thee, for the Lord’s sake, and entreat God for the forgiveness of my sins.
Black according to the flesh, but pure white of soul, he uttered this and other words to the edification of many listeners, and returned again to the solitude of his cell. He who had attained the summit of perfection accomplished lofty ascetical struggles, so that he brought his band of robbers and thieves to repentance and endeared them to Christ. Moses was perfect in all the virtues and renowned amongst the fathers, living to seventy-five years of age an angelic existence after his repentance. At the end of his earthly sojourn, the Lord granted that he drink of the same cup which He had given others. Accordingly, the Lord’s words were fulfilled, in that he who took to the sword would be taken by the sword.
One day, as Moses sat with seven other brethren, knowing the future by divine grace, he uttered the following forewarning: “Today the barbarians will come! Flee, so as not to be slain!” They answered: “But why dost thou not depart?” He replied: “Behold, so many years I have been awaiting this day to fulfill the words of the Lord: ‘... for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword,’ and now, why escape and lose the crown?” They retorted: “Neither will we leave, but remain to die together with thee.” Moses responded: “Each one of you knoweth his deeds; do as the Lord enlighteneth thee.” Close upon this, he stated: “Behold, the barbarians have come!”
At that moment, one of them hid behind the door to save his life and testify to the attack. The barbarians entered and straightway struck Moses and the others with the sword, seized their meager things, and departed. The monk who had concealed himself beheld seven crowns descending from on high upon the righteous ones. Thus was the blessed end of the thrice-blessed one who left behind him seventy disciples. Wherefore, let us sinners emulate him and make true repentance unto forgiveness in Christ Jesus our Lord, to Whom is due dominion, glory, honor, and worship forever, together with the Father and Holy Spirit. Amen.
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Dismissal Hymn
Tone 5. Plagal of the First.
‘The Co-Eternal Word’
Thou didst abandon the Egypt of passions, didst fervently ascend the mount of virtues, and didst take the Cross of Christ upon thy shoulders. Thou wast glorified in thy works and wast a model for monks, O Moses, summit of the fathers. With them, pray unceasingly that we may obtain great mercy.
The Great Synaxaristes of the Orthodox Church. Athens: Archimandrite Matthew Lagges, Publisher, 1977, Vol. VIII (Aug. 28), 5th ed., pp. 475-482. [Translated from the Greek by Leonidas J, Papadopulos and Georgia Lizardos. Copyright 1984. Edited by the Reader Isaac E. Lambertsen.]
SAYINGS OF ABBA MOSES:
These are the words which Abba Moses said to Abba Poemen, and the first word which was spoken by the old man was: “It is better for a man to put himself to death rather than his neighbour, and he should not condemn him in anything.”
“It is good for a man to die unto every work which is evil, and he should not vex a man before his departure from the body.”
“If a man doth not put himself in the attitude of a sinner, his prayer will not be heard before God.” A brother said unto him, “What is a sinful soul?” And the old man said, “Every one who beareth his own sins, and considereth not [those] of his companion.”
Abba Moses used to say, “Secret withdrawal [from work] maketh dark the mind, but for a man to endure and to persevere in his works maketh light the mind in our Lord, and it strengtheneth and fortifieth the soul.”
And he used to say also, “Bear disgrace and affliction in the Name of Jesus with humility and a troubled heart; and shew before Him thy feebleness, and He will become unto thee might.”
St. Moses knew how fasting helped in his early spiritual combats. He used to say, “These four lead to fornication: eating and drinking, oversleeping, negligence and decoration of clothes.” “If you want to repent to God, beware of living in luxury, for this stimulates all passions and dispels the fear of God from the heart.” “Control of the body diminishes the effects of other desires. Desire of food awakens the passions and emotions; they are controlled by fasting.”
A brother went to Abba Moses and asked him for a word of advice. The old man said to him, “Go, and sit in your cell and your cell will teach you everything.” Of his other sayings, “Discourse with men of the world and mixing with them darken the soul and make her forget contemplation.”
Archbishop Gregory P.O. Box 3177 Buena Vista, CO 81211-3177 USA Email: ArchbishopGregory@starband.net
Copyright 2005.
