Description

Saint Moses the Black (c. AD 330–405), also known as the Ethiopian, spent his early life as a feared robber and leader of a violent band. Through the mercy of God he repented, abandoned his former life and sought admission to a monastery in the Egyptian desert. His conversion was neither superficial nor immediate: through prayer, fasting, obedience and honest confession, he struggled for many years against the habits and passions formed during his earlier life.

St. Moses eventually became a priest, spiritual father and model of profound humility. When invited to judge a brother, he arrived carrying a leaking sack of sand to show that his own sins followed behind him while he was being asked to condemn another. Near the end of his life, he refused to defend himself when raiders attacked the monastery and was killed with several disciples.

Icon Source & Historical Details

Location: Dionysiou Monastery, Mount Athos

Iconographer: Tzortzi Foukas

Date: 16th century

Tradition: Cretan

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