The Holy Church preserves amazing examples of life's paths. At first, the path of Mary of Egypt can hardly be called a road; it was a wandering - meandering in the wilds of passions, wallowing in the swamps of sin. Wandering is fornication, a passion that leads away from God. A person who has fallen into fornication worships idols - his passionate desire, bodily lust, his selfishness. He forgets his conscience and loved ones, becomes blind and deaf, loses his mind, giving himself over to the power of evil.
So Mary of Egypt wandered until the alarming alarm of repentance reached her conscience. Having completely changed the direction of the path, renouncing herself, passing through the desert that dried up bodily passions, in repentance washing away her sins with heartfelt tears, she reached the Kingdom of Heaven.
Mary of Egypt, with scenes from the life of School or art. center: Palekh Beginning of the 19th century. Wood, gesso, tempera. 31.5 × 26.5 cm Collection of V. A. Bondarenko, Moscow, Russia
Days of remembrance of the saint
The Church has established special days of remembrance of St. Mary of Egypt, and they fall during the period of the strictest fast of the year - Lent. Church tradition has preserved the date of the saint's dormition - April 1, 522 (on Good Friday).
Thus, in the church calendar there is a permanent day of her memory - April 1 in the old style or April 14 in the new style. There is also a moving day of commemoration of the feat of the holy Egyptian wife - on the fifth Sunday (in Slavic - the fifth Week) of Lent. This day does not have a date, because... the fast is shifted annually depending on Easter.
Interesting fact
In 2022, both dates of celebration in honor of St. Mary coincide - the fifth Sunday of Lent in 2022. falls on April 14th.
Venerable Mary of Egypt From the Deesis rite School or art. center: Moscow Mid-17th century. Wood, tempera. 149 × 50 cm Central Museum of Ancient Russian Culture and Art named after. Andrey Rublev, Moscow, Russia Inv. KP 2341 Comes from the church of the Tver Old Believer community in Moscow.
How to read an akathist
How to honor the memory of the holy ascetic? You can read an akathist dedicated to her. This solemn poetic doxology is very loved by the church people, and for the last two centuries this type of hymnography has been widespread in church use. But in the statutory service there is only one akathist - Praise to the Most Holy Theotokos. Therefore, reading the akathist is more of a private prayer.
Useful materials
Akathists are read in honor of this or that saint or holiday out of love for the saint, out of reverent memory of the events of this or that holiday, in gratitude for help, in order to strengthen prayer work during the period of fasting, they add an akathist to their daily rule. The akathist is read, adding it to the prayer preparation for Holy Communion.
Interesting fact
Akathist is a solemn non-seated (read while standing - “a-kafiso” - in Greek “I don’t sit”) prayer, the authors of which are often ordinary laymen, in contrast to the canons that were written by clergy - bishops and saints - for example, St. Andrew of Crete.
The canons are present daily in the daily cycle of worship; the akathist is not statutory, i.e. obligatory rank. The liturgical statutory circle includes only the Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos “To the Chosen Voivode...” on the fifth Saturday of Lenten - Praise to the Most Holy Theotokos. And another Akathist to the Passion of the Lord is performed in the rite of passion during the evening Sunday services during Great Lent.
Adding an akathist to Mary of Egypt to the reading of following Communion through fasting is completely justified, because Saint Mary went through true repentance, a complete change of herself, her views, and completely renounced sin. Therefore, when going through the field of fasting, asking the Lord for visions of one’s sins and correction of oneself, it is useful to bring a holy ascetic, who has received special grace from the Lord, to help oneself in prayer. But, in any case, it is better to determine your cell prayer rule by consulting with a priest.
Venerable Mary of Egypt, with her life. End of the 19th century. Wood, tempera. 31 × 26.5 cm Vladimir-Suzdal Historical, Artistic and Architectural Museum-Reserve, Vladimir, Russia Inv. B-17382
By reading the akathist to St. Mary of Egypt, we intensify our prayer work, devote more time to prayer, which is very useful for the good passage of Lent. When reading the akathist to the saint, which is a prayer of praise, we can add our petitions, asking the saint to pray for us and for our needs before God, the only giver of all good things.
General information and text of the akathist to St. Mary of Egypt
Kontakion 1
Chosen from the Lord as the image of salvation for all sinners and despairers, who have risen from the depths of sin to the heights of dispassion, we offer you praiseful singing, reverend mother, but you, as if you have boldness towards a generous God, with your prayers guide those who call you on the path of your repentance with love:
Rejoice, miracle of God's mercy, Mary equal to the angels.
Ikos 1
Seeing you in the Jordanian desert, the great Zosimas, an angel in the flesh, standing in the air and praying for peace, was overcome with surprise and horror, completely in awe, shedding tears, crying out to you like this:
Rejoice, full of grace and light; Rejoice, freely adorned with insight.
Rejoice, in your prayers to God you were lifted up in the air; Rejoice, desert treasure hidden from the world.
Rejoice, lifeless companion; Rejoice, village of the Holy Spirit.
Rejoice, miracle of God's mercy, Mary equal to the angels.
Kontakion 2
Seeing the elder filled with reverent horror, you said to him in a quiet voice: do not be afraid, Abvo Zosimo, you are not spirit, but earth, dust, and ashes, and all sorts of flesh, which has never thought of anything spiritual and has not a single virtue. The wife is a sinner, unworthy to look up to heaven, and with the fear of sinful lips I call to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
Understand the wondrous mystery hidden within you, the elder fell before your feet, saying: I adjure you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, for His sake you wear this nakedness, do not hide your life from me, so that you may manifestly create the greatness of God. With him we dare to please you:
Rejoice, bright height of humility; Rejoice, inexhaustible wealth of spiritual gifts.
Rejoice, you who killed your body for the love of God; Rejoice, thou art alone in the impenetrable desert, abiding with the one God.
Rejoice, shining with heavenly beauty; Rejoice, illuminated by the light of dispassion.
Rejoice, miracle of God's mercy, Mary equal to the angels.
Kontakion 3
We are strengthened by the power of the Most High, I will confess to you, man of God, my sins and iniquities, - you answered Zosima, - I am ashamed, father, forgive me, but before you have seen my naked body, I will expose you and my deeds, but I pray to you first: do not run from me, impatient to hear what I have done; but, having mercy on me, pray for me, the prodigal, and call to God, who did not abhor me: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
Having unspeakable mercy, having supped with publicans and sinners, You and I, in the depths of fallen destruction, stretched out Your Divine hand, when I desired to enter the temple of the Lord, some power barred my entrance, but the light of reason touched my heart, showing me the mud of deeds. mine; and they began to cry about their sins, beating their hearts and weeping bitterly; We, rejoicing in your repentance, bring you a chic song:
Rejoice, for the dawn of salvation is dawning after the night has passed; Rejoice, for the voice of Christ calls the lost sheep from the distant wilds of sin.
Rejoice, as you wash away all your filth with tears; Rejoice, for with your tears you cleanse the robe of your soul.
Rejoice, for the Father of generosity opens His arms to you; Rejoice, for the one who knows your secret tears apart the handwriting of your sins.
Rejoice, miracle of God's mercy, Mary equal to the angels.
Kontakion 4
Possessed by a storm of sorrowful thoughts, you saw in the corner of the church vestibule an icon of the Pure Mother of God and, groaning, you cried out to Her: command, O Lady, that divine entrances may be opened for me, unworthy, too, and be Thou my Helper, for when I see the Cross of the Son I will reject Yours, the world and those in the world and go out, if You command me, calling to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
Hearing a voice from afar saying: if you cross the Jordan, you will find good peace, falling on your knees before the Ever-Virgin, you say: O Lady! Thy virgin purity does not disdain my unworthy prayer, awaken my salvation, Teacher, guiding me on the path of repentance! Therefore, the Angels of God, writing your confession, cried out to you at that hour:
Rejoice, you who pass from the darkness of sin to the pure light of repentance; Rejoice, you who have rejected the fury of passions and carnal love.
Rejoice, thou who hast torn apart all the bonds and snares of the enemy; Rejoice, you who have exchanged the heavy burden of the devil’s painful work for the good and light yoke of Christ.
Rejoice, thou who risest from the death of sin to eternal life; Rejoice, ascending from the gates of destruction to the gates of heaven.
Rejoice, miracle of God's mercy, Mary equal to the angels.
Kontakion 5
With the divine rays of grace the Most Holy Virgin enlightens you, for the Helper of sinners to God opens to you the doors of God's mercy and the gates of the holy temple, having entered into it, with many tears you worshiped the Life-Giving Tree, by which the world was saved, and the crucified Lord, Your Blood for Your deliverance to the one who poured out, you sang with gratitude: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Seeing the mysteries of God and how ready to receive the repentant, the all-praised Mary, you cried out with all your heart: Lady Theotokos! Don't leave me! - and you rushed into the desert of the Jordan, but we, honoring your flight, greet you with these songs:
Rejoice, for your heart has been filled with the all-forgiving love of the Savior; Rejoice, for you tried to hide the treasure of grace that you received in the desert.
Rejoice, for you have quickly and irrevocably escaped the sweets of the world of sin; Rejoice, for by your flight you have consumed the demons with fire.
Rejoice, for by your flight you have rejoiced Heaven.
Rejoice, miracle of God's mercy, Mary equal to the angels.
Kontakion 6
Preaching to all the fallen and desperate, the all-honorable one, God's love for mankind and the power of repentance, how the sinful soul is washed, cleansed, brightened, and brought to grief and joy by the Angel of God, with whom we call our mortal lips: Alleluia.
Ikos 6 The rise of the world from the desert of Jordan, the light of your great exploits, Mary, ever-glorious, for many years, like adamant is hard and an unshakable pillar, you remained, as with fierce beasts, fighting with your lusts and repelling the kindled arrows of the evil one with the weapon of the cross, for this reason marveling at the unnatural We call you to your patience and love:
Rejoice, for you bore suffering and labor in the desert for fourty and eight years; Rejoice, for you have endured the scorching heat of the sun, nakedness and the filth of the night.
Rejoice, for you have been consumed by hunger and thirst; Rejoice, for you have certainly put to death every desire of the flesh.
Rejoice, for in the struggle against the sin that lives in you, you fought until bloodshed.
Rejoice, miracle of God's mercy, Mary equal to the angels.
Kontakion 7
Although you create an obstacle to your bright procession to heaven, the all-blessed one, the primordial enemy of the human race, does not cease to entertain unclean thoughts, kindling the sinful fire in your hearts and offering you as a reminder of your previous life; But you, the long-suffering one, threw yourself to the ground, shedding tears and calling on the Ever-Virgin for help, and you did not rise from the earth day and night, until the sweet light shone upon you, lifting up the song of gratitude to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
A new man, created by God, appeared, O venerable one, having completely put to death the old man, you clothed yourself in Christ, O all-wonderful one, having suffered for seventy years of countless misfortunes. You told Zosima: “From then until now, the power of God has preserved my sinful soul and humble body.” Take, therefore, from us, unworthy, this great praise:
Rejoice, for you have put to death the outbursts of passion; Rejoice, for you have conquered nature itself.
Rejoice, for you have consumed every sin from your soul and flesh; Rejoice, for in your heart and on your slain lands you bear Jesus, whom you love.
Rejoice, for you have clothed yourself in the garment of spiritual joy; Rejoice, for you have entered into the eternal rest of the Son of God.
Rejoice, miracle of God's mercy, Mary equal to the angels.
Kontakion 8
Your strange and glorious change, venerable one, seeing the demons of the dark shelves weep bitterly, while all the powers of heaven play with joy, singing a hymn to Christ, glorifying God’s mercy, not overcome by human sins, calling with a great voice: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
You were all in God, the all-rich Mary, when Zosima, walking around the desert, was vouchsafed to see you. “I conjure you, father, by the Savior God, so that if you speak to anyone, what you have heard from me, until God takes me from the earth,” you said to him, “now go away in peace, and in the fast of the coming summer I will partake of the Holy Mysteries of Christ on the breze of Jordan.” , then, like a desert-loving and uncontrollable turtledove, you hid from the sight of the old man, bowed down to the ground and kissed the place where your feet stood, calling like this:
Rejoice, for having stripped yourself of the cold of sin, you have become whiter than snow; Rejoice, for you have been enlightened more than the rays of the sun.
Rejoice, for all your sins are forgotten and forgiven by God; Rejoice, for your part is with the saints.
Rejoice, for the first harlot, today you have been created as the bride of Christ.
Rejoice, miracle of God's mercy, Mary equal to the angels.
Kontakion 9
Every thought and mind is horrified by your illness, O all-validated one, how you endured the labor of the desert for love for the sake of God, crying out to your great father Zosima, weeping: Oh, spiritual mother! You have come closer to God, I would like, if only it were possible, to follow in your footsteps and behold your honest face and sing with you incessantly: Alleliuiah.
Ikos 9
The oracle of earthly beings is not worthy of praising your exploits, O Omniscient One, who is pleased to utter the streams of tears that you shed in prayers to God! Who will count your illnesses, who will confess your all-night vigils, struggles and the cramped conditions of your life! Having illuminated the whole desert with miracles, like the sun, you have shone, all-wonderful, therefore we pray to you: illuminate our hearts with the rays of your light and ask for forgiveness of sins for all those who cry out to you:
Rejoice, thou who hast imagined the darkened image of God in the greatness of lordship; Rejoice, fragrant with heavenly aromas.
Rejoice, adorned with stars of miracles; Rejoice, shining with the rays of virtues.
Rejoice, you who preach the greatness of God to all the ends of the earth; Rejoice, calling heaven and earth to the singing of the glory of your Lord.
Rejoice, miracle of God's mercy, Mary equal to the angels.
Kontakion 10
Taking the Savior God's life-giving Body and Blood, on the day of the mystical supper of Christ, Abba Zosima, according to your will, in the evening, very late, went to the bank of the Jordan, steadily into the desert illuminated by the moonlight, in vain, and praying to God, saying: show me, Lord , Thy treasure, which thou hast hid in the desert! Show me an angel in the flesh, so that I may not go away empty-handed, bearing my sins for reproof, but rejoicing, I call to You: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
The old man thought that the impassable wall would be the Jordan River, between him and you, venerable one: instead, you stood on one river country, you marked the Jordan with the sign of the cross, and with that sign you ascended onto the water; Zosima, seeing you coming towards him on top of the water, was horrified and cried out to you with joy:
Rejoice, inhabitant of the mountainous paradise of God; Rejoice, for the creature obeys your command.
Rejoice, as the waves spread under your honest nose; Rejoice, for the Jordan serves you, the moon and the stars of heaven marvel at your shrine.
Rejoice, marvelous manifestation of the power of God; Rejoice, temple of the living God.
Rejoice, miracle of God's mercy, Mary equal to the angels.
Kontakion 11
It is fitting for you to bring singing to Almighty God, Abvo, walking on the water, you said to him: what are you doing, this priest, how dare you bow down to me, you poor thing, you yourself bear the terrible Mysteries of Christ God! To whom, with faith and love, the dust and the earth worship, I call with fear: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
Shining with heavenly light, you partook of the Divine Mysteries and were filled with the most worldly joy, raising your hand to heaven, you said: now you release your servant, Master! Turning to the elder, you said: forgive me, Abvo Zosimo! In the coming summer, see me again in the desert, as the Lord wants, pray to Him for me, my Father, pray, always remembering my repentance. And again, having marked the Jordan, you passed on top of that water, but the old man, not daring to hold you for long, groaned and sobbed, crying after you like this:
Rejoice, you who bear the death of Jesus in your body; Rejoice, shining glory of His Resurrection.
Rejoice, clothed with grace as with a robe of light; Rejoice, for the angels of God marvel at your purity.
Rejoice, for the powers of hell are terrified and tremble at your glory; Rejoice, radiant monastery of the All-Holy Trinity.
Rejoice, miracle of God's mercy, Mary equal to the angels.
Kontakion 12
In one hour, blessed by Divine grace, you traversed the length of the desert, and on the night of Christ’s saving passion, after communion of the Divine Last Supper, you fell into a holy sleep, praying for peace, you gave up your spirit to the Lord, to whom you and the angels now call in inscrutable joy: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Singing a funeral hymn, God-wise Zosima, washed your honest nose with tears, and prayed to you a lot, covering your body with earth, naked and nothing, just like the old mantle that he first gave you, overcome with joy and fear, marveling at the greatness of God, standing, the call to you is this:
Rejoice, as a child of the light of existence, you have passed to the non-evening Light; Rejoice, for your spirit has received with joy the villages of the saints.
Rejoice, for your body has rested in the grave, just like the lion from the wilderness who buried you; Rejoice, for by you the Lord has shown me how far I fall short of the measure of perfection.
Rejoice, intercessor for the whole world to God; Rejoice, height of fasters, glory of saints, beauty of sufferers.
Rejoice, miracle of God's mercy, Mary equal to the angels.
Kontakion 13
Oh, reverend mother, blessed Mary! Accept from us the prayer now brought to you and, standing before the unapproachable Light, pray to the All-Generous God, so that having been merciful, he will send down the radiant grace of repentance to all the lost children of the Heavenly Father and from sin to the fatherly home of those who have flown in the heavenly villages, he will be worthy to sing with you forever in gratitude to Him: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
This kontakion is read three times, then the 1st ikos “Angel in the flesh...” and the 1st kontakion “Chosen by the Lord...”.
Prayer
Oh, great saint of Christ, Venerable Mary! Standing before the Throne of God in Heaven, and abiding with us in the spirit of love on earth, having boldness towards the Lord, pray to save His servants, who flow to you with love. Ask us from the Most Merciful Master and Lord of faith for immaculate observance of our cities and villages, for salvation from famine and destruction, for those who mourn - consolation, for the sick - healing, for the fallen - rebellion, for those who go astray - strengthening, prosperity and blessing in good deeds, for orphans and widows - intercession and eternal rest for those who have departed from this life, but on the day of the Last Judgment we will all be at the right hand of the country and hear the blessed voice of the Judge of the world: come, blessed of My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world, and receive your abode there forever. Amen.
