Moses was born around 330 in Ethiopia, and from early on, was enslaved to a governmental official in Egypt. After being suspected of murder and stealing, he was dismissed into the desert wilderness.

To survive, he became part of a gang of bandits who roamed the Nile Valley spreading terror and violence. He was a large imposing figure and eventually became their leader.

While attempting to rob someone in the early morning hours, a dog hindered Moses from succeeding. Moses then swore vengeance on the owner of the dog and swam down the Nile, close to the owner’s hut, with his sword in his mouth. Again, alerted by the dog, the owner hid away, and Moses became frustrated. He stole some of the sheep, took them to slaughter, and sold their fleece for wine.

Moses was reported to local authorities, and he was soon on the run. He sought refuge with monks in a Scetis cology in the desert near Alexandria of Egypt. He became heavily influenced by the monks, their devotion, peace, commitment to faith, Catholicism, and ways of life. Something he had never experienced before.

He quickly gave up his old ways and converted.

He had a difficult time adjusting to regular discipline and traces of his past tendencies lingered. He was zealous in all he did but discouraged when he deemed himself not good enough to be a monk. He was overcome with despair and was tempted by former passions. The Abbot Isidore conveyed to him how the morning sun slowly drives away the darkness and only slowly does one become perfect contemplative.

He withdrew to a solitary cell and spent a great amount of time in prayer and strict fasting. Over time he proved to be a prophetic spiritual leader.

Accounts of his conversion and spirituality spread beyond the monks and wilderness. The governor of the land wanted to meet him, but Moses hid and refused any visitors.

Still feeling he was unworthy, he was ordained a deacon. After passing several tests, the Bishop ordained him as priest and Moses labored 15 years in this rank gathering 75 followers.

When he was 75, word came that Mazices bandits would come and attack. He asked his fellow monks to leave and they in turn asked him to join them. He refused saying, “All who take up the sword, shall perish by the sword”. All left except for 7 with one of them hiding nearby. On July 1, 405, robbers came and killed Moses and the 6 with him.

His relics were preserved and enshrined at the Church of Al Adra, where many pilgrims have sought his intercession. It was attacked and profaned during ISIS occupation in 2016.

He is the patron saint of converts, those seeking spiritual transformation, nonviolence, and Africa.

His feast day is August 28.

For God’s Glory.