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St. Moses the Black

24 Paona · 1 Jul

One day, he went with some elders to St. Macarius the Great, who said to them, I see among you one to whom belong the crown of martyrdom. St. Moses answered him, Probably it is me, for it is written: 'For all they that take with the sword, shall perish with the sword.' (Matt.

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Story

One day, he went with some elders to St. Macarius the Great, who said to them, I see among you one to whom belong the crown of martyrdom. St. Moses answered him, Probably it is me, for it is written: 'For all they that take with the sword, shall perish with the sword.' (Matt. 26:25) After they returned to the monastery, it did not take long until the Barbarians attacked the monastery. He told the brethren, Whoever wants to escape, let him escape. They asked him, And you O father, why do you not also escape? He replied that he had waited for this day for long time.

The Barbarians entered the monastery and killed him with seven other brothers. One of the brethren was hiding, and saw the angel of the Lord, with a crown in his hand standing by and waiting for him. He went out from his hiding place to the Barbarians and he was also martyred. Beloved Ones, contemplate in the power of repentance, and what it did. It transformed an infidel slave who was a murderer, adulterer and robber into a great Father, teacher, comforter, and priest who wrote rules for the monks, and saint whose name is mentioned on the altar in our prayers.

His Body is located now in the Monastery of El-Baramouse. May his prayers be with us, and glory be to God forever. Amen.

Hymn

In the church of the firstborn
In the pure assembly
Living in all piety
Pijwri abba Mwcy
He was an idol worshipper
A highway robber
He inquired about the judge
Pijwri abba Mwcy
Moses was a barbarian
His life was full of sin
He yearned to be purified
Pijwri abba Mwcy
A thief, murderer, and adulterer
Lover of this passing world
The precious blood washed him
Pijwri abba Mwcy
Moses the thirsty heard
Of our fathers the monks
The dwellers of Shiheet
Pijwri abba Mwcy
He asked, “Is there a God
Great and Awesome?
My heart yearns for Him”
Pijwri abba Mwcy
Abba Isidore answered,
“He took the form of man
All heads bow to Him”
Pijwri abba Mwcy
Our God is merciful
He accepts the repentant
Through love, He accepted shame
Pijwri abba Mwcy
Give your life to Him
Abandon your past with Him
At His graceful bands, repent of sin
Pijwri abba Mwcy
Moses stood and said,
“receive me like a lost son
Help me to repent now!”
Pijwri abba Mwcy
With tears and joy
With groaning and delight
He repented of his past
Pijwri abba Mwcy
He approached Christ with love
Heartbroken and wounded
He wished to gain rest
Pijwri abba Mwcy
He offered a true repentance
Openly without turning back
Revealing all his sins
Pijwri abba Mwcy
Lo, an angel of light
Wiped away his black sins
The tablet became pure white
Pijwri abba Mwcy
Abba Macarius witnessed
That his Lord forgave and saved him
A new life was granted him
Pijwri abba Mwcy
He received the first mystery
By water, Spirit and fire
Removing all impurities
Pijwri abba Mwcy
Repentance is amazing
Kindling fire in the heart
The stranger becomes a companion
Pijwri abba Mwcy
The murderer became righteous
The sinner, a chosen vessel
The robber among the chosen ones
Pijwri abba Mwcy
Repentance is powerful
Making the adulterous a virgin
And the doubtful accepted
Pijwri abba Mwcy
A servant of desires and shame
Received dignity though grace
Becoming the strongest of the free
Pijwri abba Mwcy
The spirit guided the tyrant
From darkness to light
Producing fruits for His beloved
Pijwri abba Mwcy
He longed for monasticism
And vowed to walk in goodness
God showed him the way
Pijwri abba Mwcy
His asceticism surpassed others
He served the other monks
With humility and vigils
Pijwri abba Mwcy
With perseverance, he exhausted himself
Walking thousands of meter
To fill their water jars
Pijwri abba Mwcy
He was advancing in the way
In steadfastness and diligence
And growth in righteousness
Pijwri abba Mwcy
In virtues and prayers
In fasting and asceticism
In reverence and prostrations
Pijwri abba Mwcy
An ascetic faithful worshiper
With strong / Steadfast faith
Terrifying the demons
Pijwri abba Mwcy
He loved and was beloved by the brothers
They chose him for the priesthood
They made known their desire
Pijwri abba Mwcy
When they tested him
The priests roused and expelled him
He submitted to their command
Pijwri abba Mwcy
He said, “I am not worthy
They banished you, O black one
O you, dark skinned man!”
Pijwri abba Mwcy
The patriarch heard his sayings
He learned of his righteous acts
His humble and perfect soul
Pijwri abba Mwcy
He ordained him in the holy name
A voice said axioc
All the souls heard it
Pijwri abba Mwcy
Blessed are you, O Moses!
You received your King’s praise
The Lord of the vine protected you
Pijwri abba Mwcy
Once they requested you
For the case of a sinful monk
In the assembly they would judge him
Pijwri abba Mwcy
Saint Moses came to them
A bag of sand on his back
He entered sad and depressed
Pijwri abba Mwcy
They asked him what he carried
What is it that he brought in
He said he is carrying his sins
Pijwri abba Mwcy
A famous helpful lesson
The monks accepted joyfully
They forgave the poor sinner
Pijwri abba Mwcy
We wish to live our life
We wish to be like you
Remember us in your prayers
Pijwri abba Mwcy
Before the exalted throne
Before God the great
Remember us our beloved father
Pijwri abba Mwcy
Pope Abba Tawadros the great
May he grant him long life
To preach the gospel
Pijwri abba Mwcy
Abba David our bishop
Keep him and us, O lord
With his prayers, protect us
Pijwri abba Mwcy
The bishops and clergy
Guard them, O Holy
With the ranks of niaggeloc
Pijwri abba Mwcy
The deacons and monks
The servants in every place
Lord fill them with faith
Pijwri abba Mwcy
Abba Moses blessed are you
You received your King’s praise
The Lord of the vine protected you
Pijwri abba Mwcy
The mention of your name
Is in all the believers’ mouths
They all say “O God of Abba Moses
Help all of us!”