St. Mary and Her Helpers

Zosimas, a monk from Palestine, met St. Mary in the desert in her final years—and she changed his life! He was praying when he saw her—weathered and strong from her desert life—and she called him by name, though they’d never met. She levitated in prayer, walked on water for Communion, and urged him to renew his monastery’s ways. Zosimas was amazed—she was holy, strong, and true. He buried her with a lion’s help, then returned to share her story.

In the Coptic Church, we say Zosimas needed Mary as much as she needed him—she showed him God’s power. Some Ethiopian stories say he shared her story with awe, spreading her glory. Kids love this pair—Zosimas the monk and Mary the holy saint, serving Christ together. She’s still his friend in Christ in heaven, guiding monks to pray harder!