Abba Moses the Black

The Gentle Giant

Once a violent man and leader of a terrifying crime syndicate, Abba Moses became one of the most tender and humble spiritual elders in the desert who many sought out for wisdom.

Other names he was known by:

Moses the Egyptian

Moses the Robber

Moses the Black

Moses the Ethiopian

He is remembered and celebrated on a feast day every August 28th and considered the saint of Africa, non-violence, and forgiveness.

His journey from shame to sanctity made him especially compassionate toward others who felt broken, travailed, tempted, or far from God.

He did not judge; he forgave and offered grace. He eventually exemplified deep peace through the humility he gained, and his hard-won transformation, inspired many to change their lives.

Moses is the guide for you if you’ve known what it is to feel “othered,” wounded, haunted by your past, or tested by struggle. He offers a nonviolent and gracious way of being and helps us pursue repentance and intimacy with God.

“The closer a person is to God, the more they see themselves as a sinner.”
– Abba Moses

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Abba Macarius, 300-390 CE

The Compassionate Spiritual Father

Also known as
Macarius the Great

Macarius the Elder

Saint Macarius of Egypt

Known as a “father of the fathers,” Macarius was recognized as a successor of Antony the Great and was a deeply loving and patient elder.

His presence was patience and direct. He offered spiritual hospitality and guidance to those committed to the way of Christ or living in the community he founded in the desert of Scetes.

He guided others not with lectures, but with holy example and wise encouragement. He walked alongside the mature and maturing alike, helping them live their faith with love and perseverance.

Macarius is the guide for you if you want to expand your devoted life and need the companionship of a mentor. He is someone tender wise, and fatherly—a steady hand to help you deepen you on your way.

“If we keep remembering the wrong which others have done to us, we destroy the power of the remembrance of God.”
–Abba Macarius the Elder

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Abba John the Small, 339 – c. 407 CE

The Prayer and Faithful Guide

Also known as John the Dwarf

Dedicated, fervent in prayer, and enchanted by all who encountered him, Abba John was affected by dwarfism and quite short.

His witness speaks most deeply to those weary, discouraged, or those needing encouragement for the struggle or long, arid seasons.

John is the guide for you if you need inspiration and practical wisdom for leading a faithful life or if the spiritual life feels slow, dry, or directionless. He walks beside us with grace and love.

“A house is not built by beginning with the roof, but with a foundation… patient endurance builds the soul.”
– Abba John

He is remembered on his feast day, October 17th in the Roman Catholic Church and in the Coptic Orthodox Church. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, he is celebrated on November 9th.

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Abba Evagrius Ponticus, 345-399 CE

Companion for the Inner Life

Also known as Evagrius of Ponticus

Evagrius the Solitary

Evagrius was one of the keenest prognosticators of spiritual distress and astute at comprehending and explaining to beginners, seekers, and students the obscurities and patterns of their thoughts, the ways of temptation, and nurturing deep spiritual growth.

He wrote about how we can transform our mind and drawing near to God in authentic intimacy. If you’re new to contemplative practices or overwhelmed by spiritual noise, Evagrius helps bring grace and clarity.

Evagrius is a guide for you if you’re looking for peace away from the meaninglessness and noise of the world, if you desire to understand the strengths and weaknesses of your inner life, and hope to practical wisdom for starting or continuing a path of transformation.

“Take away temptations, and no one will be saved.”
– Abba Evagrius

He is remembered on January 16th in the Syriac Orthodox Church and on February 11th in the Armenian Apostolic Church.

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Amma Syncletica -4^th century CE

A Steady Spiritual Mother

Also known as Amma Syncletica of Alexandria

A wealthy woman from a sea-faring merchant family, mother Syncletica gave everything up to go to the wilderness and pursue a life dedicated to Christ. Amma Syncletica attracted many followers and became one of the most beloved and revered teachers of the early Christian world.

She founded a monastic community for women and was sought out by both men and women for her wisdom. She guided seekers in living simply, humbly, and with fervent devotion to God.

She dead at 80 years old after a long and agonizing bout of cancer.

Syncletica is a guide for you if you crave stillness, meaning, and the comfort of God—and long to be free from burdens that block your peace, both inwardly and in your relationships.

“There are many who live in the desert and behave as if they were in the town, and they are wasting their time.”
– Amma Syncletica

She is remembered on her feast day in January 5^th.

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Amma Theodora, 4^th Century CE

The Faithful Elder in Disguise

Amma Theodora lived in a monastic community near Alexandria and was known for her humility, discernment, and the way she helped others transform through spiritual practices and grace.

Men and women sought her wisdom and it was noted that Bishop of Alexandria, named Theophilus, came to her for counsel. She was consistent and wise—a woman who understood the cost and beauty of devotion.

Theodora is the guide for you if you long to live a spiritually rooted life—practical, sacred, and transformed—and want someone devoted to walk beside you in that work.

“Amma Theodora used to say that neither asceticism nor hardship, nor any kind of toil, saves, except for genuine humility.”
– Amma Theodora

She is celebrated on her feast day September 11 each year.

She is often depicted holding a young child or holding the hand of a young boy, and to learn about that fascinating legend of her, send a request by email. You will get a free PDF document with more of her story and a helpful devotional that includes her wisdom.

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