St. Mary of Egypt
St. Mary of Egypt (344-421 AD) is revered as the model of repentance. After living as a prostitute in Alexandria, she experienced a profound conversion in Jerusalem.
She spent 47 years in the desert in intense prayer and fasting. Her life is read during Great Lent as an inspiration to repentance.
The image of God was truly preserved in you, O Mother, for you took up the cross and followed Christ. By so doing you taught us to disregard the flesh, for it passes away, but to care instead for the soul, since it is immortal. Therefore your spirit, O Holy Mother Mary, rejoices with the angels!
May God defend us from the evil one and from his designs, for fierce is his struggle against us.
Most Holy Theotokos, help me, I promised You that I would live a new life!
Prayer of St. Mary of Egypt
O Lady Virgin, who gave birth in the flesh to God the Word! I know that I am unworthy to look upon Your holy icon. I rightly inspire hatred and disgust before Your purity, but I also know that God became Man to call sinners to repentance. Help me, O All-Pure One. Let me enter the church. Allow me to behold the Wood upon which the Lord was crucified, shedding His Blood for the redemption of sinners, and for me. Be my witness before Your Son, that I will never again defile my body with the impurity of fornication. As soon as I have seen the Cross of Your Son , I will renounce the world , and go wherever You lead me.
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