Alternate Translations of "The monastic scribe who used to write the Virgin Mary's name in golden ink"
By Jeremy Brown & Dawit Muluneh, with Wendy Laura Belcher
February 1, 2024
Many of the Marian miracle stories have different versions. This story is an example of one with two slightly different versions. One appears on the PEMM story page and one appears here.
Another version of this story appears in the website.
The version below was translated by Jeremy Brown & Dawit Muluneh, with Wendy Laura Belcher, from EMML (HMML) 3872, ff. 55r; EMML (HMML) 6938, ff. 159v - 160r, in 2024.
A miracle performed by Our Lady Mary, the Twofold Virgin, may Her prayer be with her servant Simon,[1] forever and ever, amen.
A [scribal] monk named Dimyanos lived in the city of Philippi, on a high mountain inside the city.
He loved Our Lady Mary, the Twofold Virgin, from the bottom of his heart. He served her in his duties with all of his strength. He was diligent day and night, in the Church of Our Lady Mary, the Twofold Virgin.
In every book that he would copy, whenever he copied the name of Our Lady Mary, the Twofold Virgin, he copied it in gold, silver, green, white, and red ink. And for others, he mixed his inks.
But after a short while that scribe became sick and drew near to death. Before his soul departed, Our Lady Mary, the Twofold Virgin, proclaimed the good news to him.
She told him, “In this world, you have never written my name with black ink. Rather, with your whole strength, you have honored my name with gold and silver decorations. So now, come with me into paradise, so that you may see your name inscribed on a golden pillar in the Kingdom of Heaven. It is decorated with glory. Don’t fear death in this fleeting world. Look, I will give you eternal life and joy that doesn’t pass away.”
Having said this, she disappeared.
Instantly, his days in this world came to an end and he died. His spirit began to depart in glory, amen. Then, his soul separated from his body without pain, fear, or distress. He rested in peace and entered into the paradise of joy.
This miracle was made known in that monastery. When the monks learned about it, they worshiped God and praised Our Lady Mary, the Twofold Virgin.
She does not ignore those who serve her and love her. She gives good rewards both here and on the other side. She does not embarrass those who serve her. She helps those who put their hope in her.
May her prayer be with her servant Simon, forever and ever, amen.
Notes
[1] Simon is perhaps the founder of Hagara Maryam.
