The saint library

Saint Miriam the Prophetess

Old Testament prophetess
Egypt and the wilderness
Feast day: Sunday of the Forefathers

Icon of the Holy Prophetess Miriam, sister of Moses, by Virginie Desjardins with Diane Poulin-Sarkis. Image source: Institut Périchorèse / Virginie Desjardins and Diane Poulin-Sarkis

A life of faith

Miriam was the sister of Moses and Aaron. When the infant Moses was set afloat in a basket, she watched from a distance. After Pharaoh’s daughter found him, Miriam offered to find a Hebrew nurse and brought the child’s own mother. Scripture also remembers Miriam as a prophetess who helped lead the people out of Egypt. Her story includes a rebuke after she and Aaron challenged Moses, followed by a period outside the camp and her return.

The Eastern Orthodox Church remembers saints in prayer and commemoration. Their lives offer examples for Christians learning to live their faith.

A reflection

Miriam’s watchfulness invites reflection on noticing when another person needs help and taking a practical step to offer it.

Read the Orthodox source

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