Saint Pambo lived to an old age as a hermit near Mount Nitria in Egypt. He was full of reverence, and endowed with the grace of the Holy Spirit. He ordered his life around three habbits: fasting, being silent, and engaged in his monastic handicraft.
Though illiterate, he once approached a brother in order to learn the Psalms. After hearing the first verse of the thirty-eighth Psalm, he left at once, realizing that even these few words were sufficient, if he could make them a guiding light in his life. He studied this single verse for nineteen years, until he felt that he had finally fulfilled it.
Later, being wise and enlightened, he became a teacher to other monks. Thus he gathered disciples around him, among whom there were Dioscorus, Ammonius, Eusebius, and Euphemius. He despised material possessions—money, gold, and silver. He refused to accept gifts and distributed whatever was offered to him among the poor. He was renowned for his humility, as well as for the care he showed towards others. His constant priority was the service of others. He neglected himself and disregarded his own needs.
Saint Pambo never laughed. His gaze was always marked by deep emotion and contemplation. He was very cautious in conversation and gave answers only after much reflection. Among other things, he once had a vision of two of his brothers, Paisios and Isaiah, whom he saw standing in paradise among the saints.
He fell asleep peacefully, without suffering from any illness, leaving behind a profound example of a life pleasing to God.
