Taisia of Egypt

Venerable Thaïsia of Egypt (Taisia) was a woman of the fifth century, the orphaned child of pious parents, who spent her fortune on works of mercy, then fell into sin, but returned to repentance. She is commemorated on 10 May by the Julian calendar. Her long life is found in the Lives of the Saints of Saint Demetrius of Rostov, to which all other sources refer; the Serbian source notes that her commemoration on 10 May is not kept in other Orthodox Churches.

According to her life, Taisia was left an orphan and spent all her wealth on works of mercy, including receiving monks into her house. When her fortune was exhausted she drew close to wicked people and ceased to live a Christian life. When the monks learned of it, they sent to her Abba John Kolobos, in memory of the good she had done.

The old man entered the house, sat down near her, looked at her face and, sighing deeply, bowed his head and began to weep. Taisia asked him why he wept. He answered that he saw how Satan was mocking her face, and asked why she had not wished to have Christ as her Bridegroom, the most honoured and immortal Bridegroom, why she had despised His chamber and given herself to Satan.

The old man's words pierced her like a fiery arrow and her soul was humbled. At once there arose in her a loathing for her sinful life, and she was ashamed of herself and of her deeds. She asked John whether repentance was still possible for her and, learning that it was, resolved to follow him.

He led her into the desert, at evening. The next morning he found her dead and grieved, because she had not had time to confess and receive Communion. Then a voice from heaven was heard, saying that repentance offered in a single hour is more pleasing than repentance that lasts a long time, because in the latter the penitents do not have so great a warmth of heart. John buried Taisia and, returning to the monastery, told the monks of her repentance.