Saints of the Middle East & Africa

St. Ahmed the Calligrapher Official of the Ottoman Empire (17th C) Had a Russian concubine whom he allowed to attend one of the Greek parishes in Constantinople Noticed that she always returned more gracious and loving than when she left Asked permission to attend services, and saw a vision, asking to be baptized Lived as a secreted Christian for years, before giving himself away in an argument amongst fellow officials. He was martyred on May 3, 1682.

St. Catherine Daughter of Governer of Egyptian Alexandria Saw a vision of the Theotokos at 14 Became a Christian Debated with 50 pagan philosophers After she won, she was brutally tortured 200 people, including the emperor’s wife came to see her in prison, and converted Often pictured with a wheel and sword

St. Pelagia the Penitent Palestinian actress and prostitute Converted by St. Nonnus of Antioch Becomes a Christian and gives all her riches to the poor Goes to the Mt. of Olives and lives as “Pelagius, the monk.” Not found out until her death

St. Djan Darada Mentioned in the book of Acts (8:26-39) Devout Jewish Eunuch Chief Treasurer of the Queen of Ethiopia Was in Jerusalem to worship Reading Isaiah in his chariot and met by St. Philip St. Philip explained the prophecies of Christ He believed and was baptized, and brought the faith home to Ethiopia The Ethiopian Orthodox Church traces its roots to his mission and life He died as a martyr later in life.

St Monica of Africa Born in Algeria A Christian Berber; pagan Roman husband Her husband was greatly annoyed by her charity and faith Had 3 sons, and wept many years praying for her sons’ conversion to Christianity Mother of St. Augustine of Hippo When asked about her burial wishes, she said: “Bury me wherever you will – don’t be concerned about that. The only thing I ask of you: Remember me at the altar of God.”

St. Moses the Black Born in Central Africa in the 4th Century Worked as a steward for a wealthy landowner, but stole/sold much of his goods before being caught Became a professional robber, leading a band of thieves that essentially terrorized the countryside; Committed too many robberies and murders to count Escaped prosecution (and execution) by hiding out with monks in the desert ; decided to stay! 4 of his gang once tried to rob the monastery, so he beat them up, tied them up, and gave them over to the Abbot; they eventually became monks as well ‘All who take up the sword, shall perish by the sword’”

St. Maurice Head of a Legion of Christian soldiers from Thebes Sent to Gaul (modern-day France) on a deployment to put down a revolt They refused to persecute Christians , sacrifice to Roman Gods, or kill innocent civilians They were “decimated,” but still refused St. Maurice and his whole legion said they were glad to obey any and every lawful order in the eyes of God. “We have seen our comrades killed,” he said, “Rather than sorrow, we rejoice at the honor done to them.” St. Maruice and his whole legion were then martyred He is highly venerated in France to this day; St. Maurice is also the patron saint of the Infantry

St Mary of Egypt Born in Egypt Lived as a ‘pro bono prostitute,’ Driven by an “insatiable and irrepressible passion” Went on pilgrimage to Jersualem in order to find more ‘partners,’ offering to sell her body as payment to the sailors Tried to enter Church, but couldn’t; prayed to Mother of God who allowed her to enter; she was baptized, received communion and went into the desert Dwelled in the desert for many years Died after receiving communion from St. Zosimas in the desert