The Holy Prophet and God-Seer Moses, born in Egypt around 1689 B.C., was of the tribe of Levi and the son of Amram and Jochabed. When Pharaoh ordered the death of all Hebrew male infants, Moses’ mother hid him in a basket on the Nile, where he was found and adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter. At age 80, Moses encountered God in the Burning Bush on Mt. Horeb and was called to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. After miraculously crossing the Red Sea, they wandered the desert for 40 years. Moses died at 120 on Mt. Nebo, overlooking the Promised Land, which he was not permitted to enter.

Moses is traditionally credited with authoring the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible, and the first two Biblical Odes. He performed many miracles in life and appeared alongside the Prophet Elias at Christ’s Transfiguration. His spiritual authority endured even after death; he was seen by monks at Mt. Sinai serving during Saint John of the Ladder’s installation as abbot, a fitting act for the one who had once led God’s people in the wilderness.

Troparion — Tone 2

You ascended to the heights of the virtues, Prophet Moses; / therefore, you were deemed worthy to see the glory of God. / Having received the grace-filled tablets of the Law, / and bearing the grace of the writing within yourself, / you were the honorable praise of prophets, / and a great mystery of piety.

Kontakion — Tone 2

The choir of prophets rejoices with Moses and Aaron today, / for the fulfillment of their prophecy is in our midst. / The Cross, by which You have saved us, shines forth today. / By their prayers, O Christ God, have mercy on us.