Timothy

Abba Timothy the priest asked Abba Poemen, “There is a woman in Egypt who practices fornication and gives what she earns as alms.” Abba Poemen answered, “She will not continue in fornication, for the fruit of faith is evident in her.” Later the mother of Timothy the priest came to him, and he asked her, “Has that woman continued in fornication?” She answered, “Yes. She has even increased the number of her lovers, but she has also increased her almsgiving.” Abba Timothy reported this to Abba Poemen, who again said, “She will not continue in fornication.” Later Timothy’s mother came again and said, “Do you know that the prostitute wanted to come with me so that you could pray for her?” When Timothy heard this, he told Abba Poemen. Poemen said, “You go instead and meet her.” Abba Timothy went and met the woman. When she saw him and heard the word of God from him, she was pierced to the heart and wept. She said, “From today I cling to God, and I will no longer practice fornication.” Immediately she entered a monastery and lived a life pleasing to God.