The fifth Sunday of Lent in the Orthodox calendar is always set aside to commemorate St. Mary of Egypt, though her actual saint’s day is April 1, the date of her passing according to the sixth century account of her meetings with a monastic wanderer that provide our only knowledge of this truly amazing person.

When I first heard her story, I was in my early 20’s and had only the merest idea of what it would mean to become chrismated into the Orthodox Church (though I thought myself wise enough. What a silly time my early 20’s were.). By the time our priest had gotten to the end of her tale, I knew I had found my patron saint. I still don’t know why that connection was there, but the Orthodox say you don’t pick the saint, they pick you. If so, I’m not sure this holy woman made a good choice. However, if I chose her, I did very well indeed, because I’ve never failed to be encouraged by her example.

(I’ve posted the account by St. Sophronius here in the Articles section. For those who don’t know it, or have only heard the basic information about her given in church, I heartily recommend it. Though a long read, it’s one of the most complete hagiographies I think we have, and it’s a boon to the soul.)