Venerable Pimen lived together with his two brothers in a small monastic community they had established in Egypt. He served as the abbot, guiding his brothers toward salvation through strict asceticism and seclusion. Notably, they refused to meet people, speak with the world and with the faithful who approached them.
Once, their mother came to the skete wishing to see her children. Desiring to remain strictly devoted to prayer and fearing the emotional turmoil of seeing her, they refused to open the door. Pimen, hearing her weeping, claimed that it was better to reunite in the life to come than in this world.
The saint spent his days in fasting and prayer, fully obedient to the will of God.
When a local judge wished to meet him, he declined. The judge then arrested his nephew, hoping to urge Pimen to appear and plead for mercy. The saint’s mother visited the skete again, but no one opened the door. In great despair, she began to reproach him for his strictness.
Pimen wrote a letter to the judge, saying:
"Examine my nephew according to the laws. Is he guilty? Punish him. But if he is not, act as you will."
The judge was moved by the saint's wisdom and courage and decided to release the young man.
Pimen continued to live in the desert, teaching the monks, practicing humility, and cultivating virtues. As he often said, by overlooking the sins of others, we may hope for the forgiveness of our own. He emphasized true repentance, deep faith, and sincerity before God.
The Church celebrates his memory on August 27.
