The Orthodox Church commemorates today Venerable Moses the Ethiopian of Scete, and Martyrs Diomedes and Laurence.
The Orthodox Church also celebrates the memory of Righteous Anna the Prophetess, daughter of Phanuel, who was rewarded for her faith and devotion to the Lord, as she saw the Infant Jesus Christ at the Temple of Jerusalem. He was brought to be dedicated to God as a firstborn child, celebrated during the Feast of the Presentation of our Lord, God, and Saviour Jesus Christ in the Temple.
Saint Moses was a slave of a rich man in Egypt. Because of his black skin and strong physique, he stood out while his aggressive behaviour forced his master to dismiss him. For several years he lived as a robber, until the moment when moved by the goodness of a Christian, he became conscious of his spiritual need, and then he decided to follow the path of repentance and knowledge of the will of the true God.
He went to Skete and set a good example of obedience and humbleness. His spiritual progress was so great that he wanted to become a priest, while many people came to the desert to benefit from his spiritual guidance.
He became a martyr when he was killed by bandits, who invaded his desert cell and massacred him as well as other six monks.
We can learn a lot from the life of Venerable Moses the Ethiopian for two reasons: Firstly, the power of repentance transforms, even robbers, into pious people, who, through the great mercy of God, are allowed to be priests and officiate the Divine Liturgy. Secondly, the Church is in fact opposed to all forms of social discrimination and racism. Colour or origin are in no way regarded as being as a prerequisite for the salvation and holiness of each individual.
The stance taken by our Holy Orthodox Church against racism and xenophobia and all kinds of social discrimination was adapted to the requirements of the modern era, in accordance with the decisions of the Holy and Great Council that took place in June 2016 in Crete.
Source: Church of Cyprus
