Saint Mary of Egypt

Among the lives of the desert saints that Christians have known and honored for more than a millennium is the life of Saint Mary of Egypt. Probably first written in sixth and seventh century in Greek, the life of Mary of Egypt became widely known across western Eurasia and northern Africa. The early Greek life was entitled: “The Life of Mary of Egypt, the former Harlot, who in Blessed Manner Became an Ascetic in the Desert of the {River} Jordan.” Mary of Egypt’s life is a sophisticated work full of Christian symbols. It describes early Christian liturgical gestures and testifies to early Christian veneration of icons.