Official feasts used to be an important part of the human community. People would gather together to remember something sacred, express their faith and hope for the future, and / or just be together formally, recognizing each other as being part of a shared community. Few things express a desire for shared companionship and social intimacy more than dining together. Sadly, the gathering together for feasting is increasingly a relic of the past – at least here in the West.
It need not be so! Today we will remember the ancient feasts.
The Feast Day of St. Moses the Black
This is a Christian religious feast day celebrating the life of Moses, a 4th and 5th century African saint, variously known as Moses the Black, Moses the Ethiopian, Moses the Robber, and Moses the strong. He is famous for his dramatic conversion story, his martyrdom, and for his intense devotion to a monastic life, once he adopted it.
He is a patron saint of Africa and of non-violence.
Moses the Black (Greek: Μωϋσῆς ὁ Αἰθίοψ, romanized: Mōüsês ho Aithíops; Arabic: موسى الاسود; Coptic: Ⲙⲟⲥⲉⲥ; 330–405), also known as Moses the Strong, Moses the Robber, and Moses the Egyptian, was an ascetichieromonk in Egypt in the fourth century AD, and a Desert Father. He is highly venerated in the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Oriental Orthodox Church. According to stories about him, he converted from a life of crime to one of asceticism. He is mentioned in Sozomen‘s Ecclesiastical History, written about 70 years after Moses’s death.
Biography
Early life
Moses was a slave of a government official in Egypt until he was dismissed for theft and suspected murder. He then roamed the Nile Valley with an infamous and violent gang of 75 robbers. Moses was a man of huge physical stature, strength and courage, and became leader of this gang of robbers that became a social menace and living terror to the communities where they roamed.
Conversion to Christianity
On one occasion, a barking dog prevented Moses from carrying out a robbery, so he swore vengeance on the owner. In a second attempt, with a sword in his mouth, Moses swam across the Nile towards the owner’s hut. The owner, again alerted, was able to hide, and the frustrated Moses stole four of his sheep and took them to slaughter, selling their fleece in exchange for wine. Attempting to hide from local authorities, he took shelter with some monks in a colony in the desert of Wadi El Natrun, then called Scetis, near Alexandria. The dedication of their lives, as well as their peace and contentment, influenced Moses deeply. He soon gave up his old way of life, became a Christian, was baptized and joined the monastic community at Scetis.
Monastic life
Moses had a rather difficult time adjusting to regular monastic discipline, and traces of his criminal tendencies lingered. Attacked by a group of robbers in his desert cell, Moses fought back, overpowered the intruders, and dragged them to the chapel where the other monks were at prayer. He told the brothers that he did not think it was Christian to hurt the robbers and asked what he should do with them. The robbers themselves repented and joined the community as brothers afterwards. Moses was zealous in all he did, but became discouraged when he concluded he was not perfect enough. Feeling overcome by despair and once again tempted by his former passions, early one morning, Isidore, abbot of the monastery, took Moses to the roof. Together they watched the first rays of dawn come over the horizon, and Isidore said to Moses, “Only slowly do the rays of the sun drive away the night and usher in a new day, and thus, only slowly does one become a perfect contemplative.
Moses proved to be effective as a prophetic spiritual leader. The abbot ordered the brothers to fast during a particular week. Some brothers came to Moses, and he prepared a meal for them. Neighboring monks reported to the abbot that Moses was breaking the fast. When they came to confront Moses, they changed their minds, saying, “You did not keep a human commandment, but it was so that you might keep the divine commandment of hospitality.” Some see in this account one of the earliest allusions to the Paschal fast, which developed at this time.
When a brother committed a fault and Moses was invited to a meeting to discuss an appropriate penance, Moses refused to attend. When he was again called to the meeting, Moses arrived with a sack filled with sand carried over his shoulder. Another version of the story has him carrying a basket filled with sand. When he arrived at the meeting place, the others asked why he was carrying the sack. He replied, “My sins run out behind me and I do not see them, but today I am coming to judge the errors of another.” On hearing this, the assembled brothers forgave the erring monk.
Moses became the spiritual leader of a colony of hermits in the Western Desert. Later, he was ordained a priest.
Death
At about age 75, about the year 405 AD, word came that the Mazices, a group of Berbers, planned to attack the monastery. The brothers wanted to defend themselves, but Moses forbade it. He told them to retreat, rather than take up weapons. Citing that a violent death was the appropriate death for a former robber—“All who take the sword will perish by the sword”—he opted to remain behind. He was joined by seven others, and they were together martyred by the bandits on 24 Paoni (July 1).
A different story of Abba Moses’ death is related in The Paradise of the Holy Fathers:
31. Abba Poemen said: Abba Moses asked Abba Zechariah a question when he was about to die, and said unto him, “Father, is it good that we should hold our peace?” And Zechariah said unto him, “Yea, my son, hold thy peace.” And at the time of his death, whilst Abba Isidore was sitting with him, Abba Moses looked up to heaven, and said, “Rejoice and be glad, O my son Zechariah, for the gates of heaven have been opened.”
Legacy
Moses was highly praised by his contemporaries. In his 5th century AD Ecclesiastical History, written about 70 years after Moses’s death, Hermias Sozomen sums up Moses’s legacy as follows:
So sudden a conversion from vice to virtue was never before witnessed, nor such rapid attainments in monastical philosophy. Hence God rendered him an object of dread to the demons and he was ordained presbyter over the monks at Scetis. After a life spent in this manner, he died at the age of seventy-five, leaving behind him numerous eminent disciples.
A modern interpretation honors Moses the Ethiopian as an apostle of non-violence. His relics and major shrine are found today at the Church of the Virgin Mary in the Paromeos Monastery, a Coptic Orthodox monastery located in Wadi El Natrun in Egypt.
He was a spiritual guide to many monks at the monasteries and to many Christians over the generations. Some of his well-known teachings include:
“Do no harm to anyone; do not think anything bad in your heart towards anyone; do not scorn the man who does evil, do not put confidence in him who does wrong to his neighbor; do not rejoice with him who injures his neighbor. This is what dying to one’s neighbor means.”
“When someone is occupied with his own faults, he does not see those of neighbor.”
“If a man’s deeds are not in harmony with his prayer, he labors in vain.”
What is something you can eat to celebrate the Feast Day of St. Moses the Black?
In thinking of a recipe to try for celebrating St. Moses, I found myself looking through several things one might eat in either Ethiopia or Egypt. I came across something that seems to fit the criteria, thought it might require some more from your spice rack than what I usually suggest.
Awaze tibs, also known as Ethiopian beef tibs, is a popular East African dish of beef cooked with various ingredients that combine to create a fragrant, delicious dish. In Ethiopia, tibs refer to a dish with cubed or sliced beef or lamb. Awaze sauce is a spicy paste made using Ethiopian ethnic spices. When cooked together, it creates a mind-blowing dish you won’t forget in a hurry.
Ingredients Used
Beef: I use 1.5 pounds of beef cut into 1-inch cubes for this recipe. You can use meaty chunks or bite-sized pieces of beef. I usually get mine from my local grocery store or meat market.
Niter kibbeh: This remarkably tasty Ethiopian clarified butter is used in many traditional dishes. For this recipe, you will only need a few tablespoons of niter kibbeh. Check out this post on how to make your own niter kibbeh.
Veggies and aromatics: Chopped onions, garlic, and jalapeno peppers.
Berbere: This is an Ethiopian spice blend found in many Ethiopian dishes. It usually includes jalapeno chili peppers, coriander, fenugreek, garlic, ginger, and a distinctive Ethiopian mix of spices. You can get authentic Berbere spice online or make your own.
Lemon juice: It is sometimes mixed with red wine vinegar for an infusion of flavor.
Add all the spices for the Awaze sauce to a small bowl.
Then, add water and olive oil and mix until it forms a paste. You can use a spoon or a whisk. You can also blend it together using a food processor.
How to make Ethiopian Beef Tibs
In a large skillet, add the olive oil, and when heated, add the chopped beef. You can also use a 12-inch cast iron pan. Add salt and black pepper, and stir for a few minutes on high heat till it is browned.
Melt niter kibbeh (Ethiopian clarified butter) in a skillet, then add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Saute for a few minutes, then add the sliced jalapeno peppers.
Add the Awaze sauce, simmer for 5 minutes on medium heat, and add the browned beef.
Top up with lemon juice and cilantro, and serve!
For a little more help, here’s a video giving instructions:
What is a prayer to say on the Feast Day of St. Moses the Black?
St. Moses is a revered saint in Orthodox communities, so I thought it would be a good idea to share an Orthodox Akathist (hymn) here below. I’ll only provide an excerpt but you can see the whole thing via mosestheblack.org
Akathist To Our Holy Father Among The Saints, Moses The Black
Kontakion 1
Mighty ancient desert dweller of the Egyptian Thebaid, thy life is an everlasting memorial of the reconciliation between God and man. In thee we see the fullness of the fruits of repentance. Guide our steps onto the path of salvation as we call on thy all powerful prayer.
Rejoice, holy Elder Moses, righteous teacher of true spiritual wisdom!
Ikos 1
In the days of thy youth, as a gang-leader thou was a ravenous wolf slaying sheep and murdering men. Yet in a moment of truth, God acted invisibly on thy conscience as thou was about to commit a crime, opening the door to the way, the Truth and the Life. Following thy path toward the Light we sing these praises:
Rejoice, model of correction for those who have gone astray. Rejoice, thou who didst die to earthly pleasures and resurrect in spirit. Rejoice, thou who camest out of much tribulation. Rejoice, oasis of faith in the desert of unbelief. Rejoice, ancient treasure map for those seeking the pearl of great price. Rejoice, for thou didst find the Kingdom of God within thy heart. Rejoice, holy Elder Moses, righteous teacher of true spiritual wisdom!
Kontakion 2
En route to great stature in grace, thou didst travel the path of lowliness, seeking counsel in all matters concerning spiritual life. Burying the instructions of the Fathers deep within thy heart thou didst always sing to God: Alleluia!
When is the Feast Day of St. Moses the Black celebrated?
St. Moses is celebrated annually on 28 August.
I hope everyone who celebrates has a wonderful day!
Beautiful soul St. Moses well shared 💐
Thank you! I enjoyed researching his life and writing about it.
🤗