Saint Mary of Egypt is a prominent ascetic figure in the Orthodox Church, as well as a supreme example of repentance to be emulated.

After living a free, unrestrained life full of passions, touching the gates of disastrous spiritual death, she repented after a significant incident in her life and, seeking God's mercy, withdrew to the depths of the desert, trying, if possible, with her tears, to cover all the desolation that embraced her.

Completely alone, far from the echo of the deceived world, and at the same time with God who observes her bloodied heart, she lived superhumanly and acquired an angelic existence.

She walked on water, cliffs, and rivers without falling to be submerged. God, of mercy and forgiveness, forgave her and rewarded her with gifts beyond human measure.

Yet, humble until the day of her death, she continued her ascetic struggle of repentance and prayer to such an extent that even wild beasts would submit before her.