Monk
During the time when John the Merciful was on the patriarchal throne of Alexandria, a monk Vitaly from the monastery of Seridus came to the city. Being sixty years old, he chose a life that seemed sinful to people but was most pleasing to God. Vitaly prayed for women who had fallen into sin, exposing themselves to prostitution. His deepest desire was to lead them to repentance and to restore them to purity of life. He worked daily and earned twelve copper coins: one he kept for his own food, while the rest he gave to women in need, urging them to preserve their purity and turn away from sin. At night he devoted himself to prayer. Through his virtue and example of asceticism, many women were moved to repentance and began to live in prayer.
Despite slander and condemnation, Vitaly continued his mission, remaining humble and patient. The patriarch never believed the slanders against him.
Vitaly used to hide his virtue, so that no one knew of his holy life, until he passed away.
When the cell of the saint was opened, he was found upon his knees, holding a note that urged people never to judge one another. Many were healed by merely touching his holy body. The women whom he had guided to repentance came weeping to his grave. When the people learned of his holiness, they repented of their harsh judgments against him. The patriarch buried him with great honor, glorifying God, Who is wondrous in His hidden servants.
