Moses the Black

💡 Did You Know?

In Orthodoxy he is known as Moses the Ethiopian or Moses the Black. From Bandit to Monk: After being dismissed from service for crime, Moses led a violent band of robbers until a profound encounter with a monastery abbot led to his conversion and monastic life. Spiritual Struggles: He faced intense temptations (especially lust and anger) but persevered through rigorous asceticism, prayer, and fasting, learning to overcome them through God's grace. Wisdom & Teachings: He became a spiritual leader, known for profound sayings on humility, dying to self, and non-judgment, famously advising, "Go, sit in your cell, and your cell will teach you everything". Forgiveness & Non-Violence: He exemplified forgiveness by forgiving those who wronged him and, when robbers attacked his monastery, he captured them but refused to harm them, leading to their conversion. Martyrdom: He prophesied his own death and, along with six monks, died a martyr when his monastery was attacked by barbarians, choosing death by the sword rather than fleeing. Commemoration: His feast day is celebrated on August 28th, and he is a patron of Africa, forgiveness, and nonviolence.