In Egypt there lived a Christian maiden named Thais. Having become an orphan at a young age, she distributed all her possessions to the poor and made her home a place of hospitality for monks. However, when she later fell into great poverty, she surrendered herself to sin and turned to a life of prostitution. Upon learning of her fall, the monks went to Abba John, asking him to help her and lead her to repentance.
Abba John, fulfilling their request, went to Thais. Seeing her in such a state of sin, he wept. He called her to repentance, reminding her of the love of Jesus Christ and telling her that the Savior awaited her return. Hearing the elder’s words, Thais was filled with deep remorse and asked him to take her to a place where she could be purified from sin.
The elder led her into the desert, and when night came, they stopped to rest. During his prayer, he saw angels lifting the soul of Thais to heaven. Overcome with fear, he fell to the ground. A great voice was heard saying that the repentance of Thais, accomplished in one hour, was more pleasing to God than a long repentance lacking the warmth of heart.
The elder continued in prayer until morning, and then buried the blessed body of Thais. When the monks learned of her death, they glorified Christ for His great mercy.
