05 works, Today, October 29th, is Saints Abramius and his niece Mary"s day, their story illustrated #300

Unknown artist

Saint Abramius the Recluse, c. 985

Menologion of Basil II

Vatican Library. Rome

I have no further description, at this time

Abramius was a Christian of noble birth who, early in life, left all (including a young bride) to live as a solitary monk. This he did for fifty years. When Abramius' brother died, leaving his seven-year-old daughter Mary orphaned and alone, The Saint took her under his care, giving her a monastic cell near his own. 

Susan McGregor

The Harlot Saint

Book cover

 I have no further description, at this time

Though Mary devoted herself joyfully to the monastic life, when she was about twenty she fell into sin with a corrupt monk who visited the hermitage. Far worse, she then fell into despair, thinking that she had cast away her salvation, and fled the hermitage to become a harlot in a nearby town. 

Abramius, unaware of what had happened or where she had gone, prayed constantly for her safety and to be shown where she had fled.

Unknown artist

Abraham von Kiduna received by the host of a brothel, c. 1477

German woodcut

I have no further description, at this time

One day a traveler told Abramius what had become of his niece. Immediately he rose up, dressed himself as a soldier and went to the brothel where Mary worked, "for the salvation of a soul meant more to him than hermitage, Habit, ascesis or prayer itself" (Synaxarion). Still disguised, he ordered a meal, his first wine and meat for fifty years, then went with Mary to her room. 

Kristyn Brown

St. Mary of Edessa

Print, on silk paper

5x7

Private collection

Kristyn Brown was born and raised in a suburb of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She spent most of her childhood and adolescence shooting terrible pictures and wasting a lot of film. But by age 22, she was shooting professionally in Los Angeles, this time digitally. After 6 years on the West Coast, Kristyn and her family moved back to Philly, where she started The Saints Project – A Modern Portrayal of Catholic Saints. In 2015 she was contacted by The World Meeting of Families to create custom 8ft banners for the youth congress portion of the event. Since then, she has created over 40 images of Saints and the Holy Family. She has been commissioned by several organizations, small businesses and non profits to create images for their companies. More on Kristyn Brown

Only then did he reveal himself, and with tears, not accusing her at all, pleaded with her to leave that place and return with him. "Let us go, my child; let us return to our hermitage. Let your fault be mine. I will answer for it before Christ on the day of judgment." She returned with him and, with repentance, prayed so ardently that she was soon granted not only assurance of forgiveness but the power to work miracles. St Abramius reposed in peace in great old age; Mary followed him into eternal joy five years later.

Unknown artist

Blessed Penitent Maria of Edessa, c. 1890

Russian Icon

12x10"

Private collection

I have no further description, at this time

Please visit my other blogs: Art Collector, Mythology, Marine Art, Portrait of a Lady, The Orientalist, Art of the Nude and The Canals of Venice, Middle East Artists, and 365 Saints, also visit my Boards on Pinterest

Images are copyright of their respective owners, assignees or others. Some Images may be subject to copyright

I don't own any of these images - credit is always given when due unless it is unknown to me. if I post your images without your permission, please tell me.

I do not sell art, art prints, framed posters or reproductions. Ads are shown only to compensate the hosting expenses.

If you enjoyed this post, please share with friends and family.

Thank you for visiting my blog and also for liking its posts and pages.

Please note that the content of this post primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online.