Mary of Hidan

Blessed Mary of Hidan was the niece of the Venerable Abraham the Recluse; both laboured near Edessa, in the time of the Venerable Ephrem the Syrian, who wrote of their lives. Mary grew up under her uncle's guidance, but at twenty-⁠seven she was deceived by the enemy, left her cell and lived in debauchery in a distant city. Abraham dressed as a soldier so as not to be recognized, went to the city, found her and brought her to repentance. Back in her cell, Mary spent the rest of her life in prayer and tears, and the Lord gave her the gift of healing. She died five years after her uncle.

The Venerable Abraham

Abraham withdrew young to a desolate place and, after his parents' death, left his inheritance to the poor. By gentleness and love of people he drew many seekers. He was appointed priest in a pagan village of Mesopotamia and for three years laboured to enlighten its people, destroyed the idol temple, built a church, bore mockery and beatings and baptized those who believed. Back in the wilderness, he was tempted by the devil with thoughts of pride, once by a light and a voice that called him blessed, another time by a youth singing a psalm. Each time he recognized the trick, crossed himself, and the devil vanished. After fifty years of struggle he departed in peace to the Lord, around 360.

Mary's memory is kept on 11 November, in the new style.