Saint Moses the black did not start out as anyone who was even close to being a saint. Though he grew up in 4th century Egypt, he was an Ethiopian with black skin. In the early part of his life he was a slave to a rich man, but after he murdered someone, his master disowned him. So Moses joined a band of robbers and began to commit many crimes. When the other robbers saw how evil and ruthless he was, they made him their leader. The gang committed so many crimes that people became fearful to even mention Moses’ name. Moses struggled to control his anger. He once swam to a hut with a sword in his teeth in order to kill a dog and his owner because the dog’s barking prevented his robbery. Thankfully, the owner and the dog were able to escape. Frustrated, Moses took some of the owner’s sheep.
One day Moses hid in a monastery in Scretes, close to Alexandria. While he was there, he saw monks living a monastic life and glorifying Christ. Moses was so deeply moved by this experience that he asked the monks if he could become one of them. But the monks were skeptical of him because they knew that he was a notorious criminal. They believed that he was just trying to escape the authorities. But Moses would not take no for an answer. He began to live in a monastic cell and practiced the hardest regiment of prayer and fasting. After some time went by, the monks saw that Moses’ desire to become a monk was genuine. So they allowed him to become a monk and live with them. They rejoiced because God had brought a sinner to Him. He had transformed someone’s life. Before this, Moses did not have any fulfillment in his life. Now he had a sense of purpose in his life and loved God.
But Moses’ story was not over. One day 4 robbers came to the monastery. Moses quickly captured all 4 of them. Miraculously, these four robbers also repented and became monks. In fact, the entire gang that Moses used to be a part of repented and became monks. Though Moses was glad that he became a monk, he had a very hard time adjusting himself to monastic lifeand giving up his sinful passions such as anger. He often discussed his concerns with Abba Isidore who was in charge of the monastery. Abba Isidore often spent the entire night praying without once falling asleep. Abba Isidore suggested that Moses do this also so that he could become more disciplined. Abba Isidore once showed Saint Moses angels and demons fighting each other in a vision. There were many more angels than demons. Isidore explained that though Moses might have been in a battle at that point in his life, one day he would overcome his sins with God’s help. Moses started making more of an effort to be kind to his fellow monks. He brought water from the well to every monk every day. This greatly helped the monks who lived far from the well and could not easily carry their own jars of water. One day he felt a terrible blow to his back while he was at the well. He claimed that this was a demonic attack from the demons who were angry that they had lost control over him. Though Moses lived crippled for a year, he was joyful because he knew that the demons had lost control over his life. He was no longer sinful, selfish, and angry. He now had peace in Jesus Christ. Word of Moses miraculous transformation spread throughout Egypt. The governor of the land decided that he wanted to meet Moses. When servants of the governor approached Moses asking where Saint Moses was, he humbly answered “Go no farther to see this false and unworthy monk.” Several years later, Moses was ordained as a deacon. The bishop who clothed him in white said “Now Abba Moses is entirely white.” Moses answered “Only outwardly for God knows I am still dark within.” Indeed, Saint Moses was known for being extraordinarily humble. One day the bishop decided to test Moses and instructed the clergy to drive out Moses from the church telling him that he was an unworthy Ethiopian. Moses humbly accepted the insults. Because of this, the bishop in the church promoted Moses and gave him greater honor. When he was 75, Moses received a vision from God saying that robbers would take over the monastery and kill the monks there. After he told the monks about his vision most of them fled, but seven monks remained at the monastery with Moses. When asked why he wouln’t leave the monastery, Moses replied “For many years already I have awaited the time when the words of my Master Jesus Christ would be fulfilled: “All those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword (Mt 26:52).” Shortly after Moses’ vision, robbers did come to the monastery and kill Moses and six other monks. Saint Moses is still remembered this day for his courage, humility, and miraculous life transformation. His life seems to echo the life of the Moses of the Bible who also killed someone but then repented and became humble. There is no sin too great for God to forgive, no life too broken for God to fix, and no demonic attack too great for God to overcome.
Jesus is Coming Soon! 