Saint Moses was a slave of a wealthy landowner. He was tough and cantankerous, and created a lot of problems every day until his master got angry and threw him out. Saint Moses joined a gang of bandits and, due to his great physical strength, he became its leader.
Once, chased by the authorities for committing many crimes, he hid deep in the wilderness where the most famous ascetics lived. His fellowship with the saints made him calmer. He was overwhelmed by the Grace of God since repentance means grace, his heart softened, he truly repented and asked for redemption. His change was so radical that he became as notable as the great Desert Fathers in a short time. After his baptism, he was deemed worthy to receive the grace of the priesthood.
At the age of 75, he was martyred in a violent way. Pagan robbers invaded his desert cell and massacred him. The word of Jesus Christ to Saint Peter the Apostle came true: “For all who draw the sword will die by the sword” (Matthew 26:52).
The saint has two great virtues: true repentance and deep humility. Until his last breath he “wept bitterly” for his sins and considered himself inferior not only to humans but also to this illogical creation. “The awareness of our sin is a great gift of Heaven, greater than the vision of angels. Repentance is an invaluable gift to humankind. Our theosis is achievable through repentance. This is something of inconceivable greatness.” Saint Moses used this invaluable gift and reached deification, that is, the ‘vision’ of God.
Several incidents from his life reveal a radical change in his way of living. After all, that means repentance. Changing the way we think and act. It is worth mentioning one of theses incidents: “Once, four robbers, his old comrades, break into his hut without imagining who they could find inside. When they saw him, they were stunned. He very easily caught them, tied them up and led them to the gathering of the elders. The saint asked them what he must do with the robbers, ‘It is no longer up to me to punish anyone.’ When they heard this, the robbers confessed, repented and became monks.
