The Desert Star: Unveiling the Life of St. Pishoy

Join us for an insightful journey into the extraordinary life of St. Pishoy (also known as Bishoy), the great Egyptian Desert Father, revered in the Coptic Orthodox Church as "The Star of the Desert" and "The Beloved of our Good Saviour".... Born around 320 A.D. in the village of Shansa, Egypt, St. Pishoy was the youngest of six brothers, and though physically frail, he was divinely chosen for God's service through a vision seen by his mother....

At the age of twenty, he entered the wilderness of Scetis (Wadi-El-Natroun) to become a monk under the guidance of Anba Bemwah, who also ordained St. John the Short.... St. Pishoy quickly became renowned for his profound love, meekness, simplicity, and an intensely ascetic and prayerful life1.... You'll hear how he famously tied his hair to the ceiling of his cell to prevent sleep during his nightly prayers, a testament to his unwavering devotion5.... His wisdom, strength, and generosity attracted many, making him the spiritual father to a vast community of monks....

Discover the remarkable divine encounters that shaped his legacy:

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He was blessed with visions of our Lord Jesus Christ on several occasions1....

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We'll recount the touching story of how he carried Jesus, who appeared as an old, frail man on a journey....

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Learn how he also washed the feet of the Lord, who visited him disguised as a poor stranger.... It is said that because he carried Christ, his body remains incorrupt to this day at the Coptic Orthodox Monastery bearing his name in Wadi El-Natroun....

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He even had a vision of Emperor Constantine, who expressed that the honour of monks surpassed the glory of his own kingdom6....

St. Pishoy was also a steadfast defender of Orthodox faith. Hear how he courageously confronted a heresy denying the Holy Spirit, using a simple, yet profound, three-eared basket to illustrate the Trinity, convincing many to return to the true faith....

His life concluded amidst barbarian invasions in 407/408 A.D., leading him to Mount Ansena, where he departed in 417 A.D..... You'll hear about his deep friendship with St. Paul of Tammah, a bond so strong that God promised they would never be parted.... Indeed, centuries later, their bodies were moved together, and they lie side-by-side in the main church of the Monastery of Saint Bishoy in Wadi El-Natroun, as St. Pishoy's incorrupt body continues to be preserved19....

Tune in to explore the life of "The Perfect Man," whose love for God and humanity shines as a beacon of faith and humility....