Overview
St. Bishoy, known as the Star of the Desert, was a humble and frail child chosen by God through a vision given to his mother. He became a monk in the wilderness of Shiheet (also called “Scetis”), where his deep asceticism and devotion made him worthy to see Christ Himself. Renowned for his wisdom and holiness, he defended the faith by refuting a heresy that denied the Holy Spirit. He died on Mount Ansena, and his relics were later returned to his monastery in Shiheet.
The icon shows a scene of how St. Bishoy used to wash the feet of strangers and visitors without knowing who they were or even looking at their face. For that reason, Jesus appeared to him posing as a stranger (the same way he appeared to Abraham in the Old Testament) and Saint Pishoy washed His holy feet and he did not know Him until he saw the scars of the crucifixion on His feet.
Full Description
Saint Pishoy the Great, also known as Anba Bishoy, is a highly venerated figure in the Coptic Orthodox Church, remembered for his profound humility, unwavering devotion, and deep love for Christ. Born in 320 A.D. in Egypt’s Nile Delta, he was one of six children raised by a devout Christian mother. After the early death of his father, his mother cared for the family and nurtured their faith. One night, she had a vision in which an angel told her to dedicate one of her sons to God. Although she hesitated due to Pishoy’s frail health, the angel assured her he was the one chosen by God.
At the age of 20, Pishoy left his home to embrace the monastic life in the desert of Scetis (Wadi El-Natroun). He became a disciple of Saint Bimwa, who had been mentored by Saint Macarius the Great, and developed a close spiritual friendship with Saint Yuhanis the Dwarf, known for his extreme obedience. After Saint Bimwa’s departure, an angel directed Pishoy to live in solitude nearby, where he would later become the spiritual father of many.
Saint Pishoy’s life was one of constant prayer, fasting, and selfless service. He was so committed to prayer that he tied his hair to the ceiling of his cave to stay awake. Despite his intense asceticism, he radiated peace, wisdom, and compassion. Over time, thousands of monks gathered around him—over 2,400—living in nearby caves and guided by his spiritual leadership. As God had promised him, the desert truly became a place of worship under his care.
Known by titles such as “The Perfect Man” and “The Star of the Wilderness,” Saint Pishoy was renowned for his humility and love for all, especially the poor and strangers. On one occasion, he washed the feet of a weary traveler, only to realize afterward that it was Christ, as he saw the marks of the crucifixion. In another instance, when Christ promised to appear to the monks, many rushed to meet Him, ignoring a feeble old man. Saint Pishoy instead carried the man, and along the way, discovered he was carrying the Lord Himself. Christ then declared that Pishoy’s body would never see decay.
Pishoy was also a gentle and wise defender of the Christian faith. When he encountered a heretical preacher who denied the Holy Spirit, he used a basket with three handles to illustrate the mystery of the Holy Trinity, winning the man and his followers back to the truth.
Despite receiving many offers of wealth and gifts, Saint Pishoy lived in simplicity, depending on the work of his hands and encouraging others to do the same. He taught his disciples to labor diligently, give generously, and remain spiritually grounded. His deep humility even confounded the devil, who failed in repeated attempts to tempt him.
Gifted with spiritual insight, Pishoy once foresaw the visit of Saint Ephraim the Syrian and was divinely granted the ability to speak Syriac so they could converse. He was known for weeping over his sins and fervently interceding for his disciples through prayer and fasting.
Later in life, during invasions by Berbers, Saint Pishoy moved to the mountain of Ansena in Upper Egypt to avoid causing them to sin by attacking a holy man. There, he met Saint Paul of Tammah and established a new monastery near Mallawi, which continues to exist to this day.
Saint Pishoy departed peacefully on July 15, 417 A.D. In 841 A.D., his incorrupt body was transferred to the Monastery of Saint Pishoy in the Nitrian Desert, along with that of Saint Paul of Tammah. Remarkably, when an attempt was made to transport only Saint Pishoy’s body, the boat wouldn’t move until Saint Paul’s body was also brought aboard—a testimony to their deep and holy friendship. Today, the bodies of both saints remain enshrined side by side, drawing countless faithful who come to honor and seek their intercession.
Interesting Fact
Near the end of his life, St. Bishoy longed to see Christ and received a promise from the Lord that He would appear to him on Mount Shiheet. He shared the news with the monks, who joyfully rushed ahead on the appointed day. Along the way, an elderly man pleaded for help, but all ignored him—except St. Bishoy, who stopped and carried him. As he walked, the burden grew lighter, and he realized he was carrying Christ Himself.
Citations
CopticChurch.net. “Abba Bishoy.” CopticChurch.net, https://www.copticchurch.net/synaxarium/saints/bishoy.html. Accessed 16 May 2025.Admin. “St Pishoy: The Perfect Man.” St. Mina Coptic Orthodox Church, https://www.stminahamilton.ca/2010/07/st-pishoy-the-perfect-man. Accessed 16 May 2025.