Venerable David of Hermopolis (6th century) had formerly been the leader of a band of robbers in Egypt. When he reached advanced old age, he reconsidered his life, and, shuddering at the memory of his crimes, resolved to change it completely. He came to a monastery, where he persistently asked to be accepted into the brotherhood. The abbot, seeing his determination, received David into the community, where he amazed everyone with the strictness of the ascetic life he chose for himself.
Through his labors and ascetic struggles, David soon surpassed all the monks. Some time later the Archangel Gabriel appeared to him, bringing the glad tidings of the forgiveness of his sins. But out of humility, David did not believe that the Lord could so quickly grant mercy and remission to such a great sinner. For this disbelief, he was punished with muteness, retaining his voice only for prayer, reading the monastic rule, and participation in the services.
At the end of his life, the Lord granted David the gift of working miracles: he healed the sick and cast out evil spirits. Having reached great old age, the venerable one departed to the Lord.
