David of Hermopolis

Holy Venerable David of Hermopolis lived in the sixth century. He had been the leader of robbers in Egypt, in the desert of Hermopolis, and became a perfect monk. He is commemorated on 19 September.

Before entering the monastery David led a gang of robbers and committed many murders and other crimes. Reaching old age, he reflected on his life and was terrified at his deeds. Leaving the gang, he went to a monastery and asked the abbot to receive him among the brothers, to repent. The abbot refused, telling him that their life was very severe and that he would not have the strength. David insisted and in the end told the abbot that he was the famous robber David. He said that if the gates of the monastery were not opened to him for repentance, he would return to his former life, destroy the monastery and kill the monks. Then the abbot received him, and, to the amazement of all, David became an exemplary monk. By his severe labours he surpassed all the brothers.

After a time the Lord sent the Archangel Gabriel to David, to announce that the Lord had forgiven him. But Venerable David, out of humility, could not believe that so great a sinner had so quickly received forgiveness. The Archangel then told him that, for his little faith, David would remain mute. David begged earnestly that the gift of speech remain to him for prayer, for reading the rule and for the services of the Church. This was granted him, and for the rest he remained mute. At the end of his life he received from God the gift of working wonders: he healed many sick and cast out evil spirits from the possessed. After living thus many years, he departed to the Lord.