Story of the life of the blessed Maqābis who struggled in the desert of Hor

In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, one God. This is the story of the life of the blessed Maqābis, who was martyred in the desert of Hor, and concerning the cutting off of his head, and for those who hear it, the faithful, in that time. And also for us who hear after them, for he left for us this writing of this glory and grace for the sick, and wisdom for those who are afflicted. And they told concerning the thoughts and patience of the faithful concerning the heresy of the wicked, and the wisdom of Christians, and the persecution of the Jews, and salvation from demons. And may the Lord grant us the blessing of that blessed great Maqābis forever. Amen. Now first, he lived and grew up among many monks, for he had his years while serving in humility of spirit to the father of the monastery and to all the faithful who were in the place. And after he desired asceticism and subdued his head, which was alone, while saying, "I will first mortify my head and hasten the salvation of my soul," as my Lord said in the Gospel: "You, before all, be silent about his kingdom and his righteousness for Christ, and this all will be revealed to you." And likewise this saint desired solitude and struggled in combat with his body and his mind, and he established a rule for himself, that he would eat one dried fig, and when it was four kilos or three fruits of the date palm, dry, and by the kingdom of Christ it would be sufficient.

And the church was built and adorned for her Bridegroom, as is fitting for a mother with her children. The crown was placed with the stones, with the children of the Jews, and the church stood like Sarah with the children of the apostles. As the prophet David said, "From your fathers were born for you children, and you shall call them 'full' for the whole earth, and your name shall be upon every generation of the faithful." You, O church, are the pillar of the faithful. The church is called "Christian" because it is from her breasts that she suckles milk and honey, like a mother; and when we grow, she feeds us bread and wine. This is the body and blood of our Savior, to whom is glory, and may his holy name be blessed, from now until the end of the world. Amen. And may the Lord bless you, from your small to your great, and may he grant peace and tranquility to your land, and give honor and the sight of the enemy to your king, and to your elders good counsel and justice, and to your bishops in all that they minister on your behalf, and purity to your priests, and patience to your monks, and honor to your elders, and protection to your children, and strength to your youth, and honor and faith to your women, and love and obedience in your churches, and blessing to your treasuries, and protection to your livestock, through the prayers of all the saints and martyrs, through the prayer of our Lady Mary, the Mother of God, and through the prayers of the angels and archangels.

Strong ones, heavenly ones, and renowned ones, names. And by the prayer of the holy and pure Maqābis, who struggled in the desert of Hor and performed many miracles, and who reposed in a good struggle, and who pleased God in all his deeds, in humility of spirit, in love, and in peace. And his repose was on the 7th of Ḥamle, with Abba Sinodā. May God grant us their blessing and their prayer forever and ever. Amen. For the one who wrote it, and for the one who caused it to be written, and for the one who translated it, and for the one who read it, and for the one who heard his words, may God forgive them together in the kingdom of heaven forever and ever. Amen. And also for me, your sinful and guilty servant, remember me in your prayer, you who have read this book; pardon me and bless me forever and ever. Amen and amen.