Today, the monastery’s Trinity Cathedral, like any other Russian Orthodox church, held a special service called “Standing of St. Mary of Egypt.”

This service is dedicated to Venerable Mary of Egypt’s spiritual endeavor.  Once a harlot, she repented and became a great righteous saint of the church. Having lived seventeen years of her life in the state of fornication, she then spent the next 47 years in repentance.

Joining other pilgrims, she attempted to enter the church to venerate the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord. However, the tide of human crowds pushed her aside and Mary recognized it as the sign of the Lord. She pleaded with the Mother of God to give her a hand at entering the temple to venerate the holy and great relic.  After that, she went to live in the desert.  No matter how hard she was tempted, she was able to overcome everything with God’s help.

The amazing service, when the Great Canon is read during Matins together with the account of Venerable Mary of Egypt’s life, should boost our spirits and set us on the path towards repentance.

Venerable Mother Mary, pray to God for us!