As we continue our series of prayers written by Orthodox women past and present, we’re moved by both of these prayers attributed to St. Mary of Egypt. The first was spoken at the beginning of her spiritual journey; the second as she neared the end of her life on earth, encapsulating all she had learned since that day:
“O Lady, Mother of God, who gave birth in the flesh to God the Word, I know, O how well I know, that it is no honour or praise to thee when one so impure and depraved as I look up to thy icon…But I have heard that God Who was born of thee became man on purpose to call sinners to repentance. Then help me, for I have no other help. Order the entrance of the church to be opened to me. Allow me to see the venerable Tree on which He Who was born of thee suffered in the flesh and on which He shed His holy Blood for the redemption of sinners an for me, unworthy as I am. Be my faithful witness before thy son that I will never again defile my body by the impurity of fornication, but as soon as I have seen the Tree of the Cross I will renounce the world and its temptations and will go wherever thou wilt lead me.”
“Blessed is God who cares for the salvation of our souls.”
Holy Mother Mary of Egypt, pray to God for us!