Venerable David of Hermopolis, the Former Robber (6th Century) — September 6 / September 19 (Julian Calendar)

On this day, September 6 according to the Julian Calendar (September 19 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates Venerable David. Before coming to the monastery, Venerable David was the leader of a band of robbers in Egypt, in the desert of Hermopolis. Many murders and other lawless deeds weighed upon his soul. When he reached old age, the blessed one looked back over the path of his life, and his dark deeds filled him with horror. Filled with repentance, he left the band, went to a monastery, and asked the abbot to receive him into the brotherhood. The abbot refused for a long time, assuring the newcomer that he would not be able to endure the strict rule of their life; but David persistently pressed his request, and at last, when he could achieve nothing, he threatened: I am the notorious robber David, and if you do not open the gates of the monastery to me for repentance, I will return to my old life, ravage the monastery, and slaughter the monks. Then the abbot received the robber, and he, to everyone’s astonishment, became an exemplary monk and far surpassed the brethren of the monastery in the severity of his ascetic labors. After some time the Lord sent the Archangel Gabriel to David to announce the forgiveness of his sins. The venerable father could not believe that the Lord would so quickly forgive so great a sinner as he had been. For his lack of faith and his doubt David was struck mute, and the power of speech returned to him only during the reading of the rule of prayer and his participation in the church services. Toward the end of his life the saint received the gift of working miracles. He lived in this manner for many years, and then gave up his soul to the Lord (6th century).