Silence as Spiritual Discipline
The defining mark of Pambo's life was silence, rooted in the words of Psalm 39: 'I said, I will watch my ways so as to be unable to sin with my tongue.' Having received this verse as instruction, he reportedly did not say a word to his master for six months while he labored to internalize it. Eighteen years later he humbly acknowledged that he had scarcely internalized the teaching.
His regard for silence as itself a form of teaching is preserved in a saying in the Alphabetical collection of the Apophthegmata Patrum. When Archbishop Theophilus of Alexandria visited Scetis and the brothers asked Pambo to give him a word of guidance, Pambo replied: 'If he does not always benefit from our silence, then if we speak he will still not benefit.' Pambo is listed among the named fathers and mothers documented in that collection.
Influence and Spiritual Fatherhood
Pambo was consulted by notable figures of his time, including Athanasius of Alexandria and Melania the Elder, and served as spiritual father to several saints who were themselves later canonized, among them Pishoy (Bishoi) and John the Dwarf (John Colobos).
Melania the Elder gave substantial support to his monastery. One account relates that she presented several hundred pounds of silver, which Pambo promptly distributed to poor monasteries without pausing to acknowledge her gift, holding that her act had already been rewarded by God.
Scholars have at times characterized Pambo as an 'Origenist,' but the historian Graham Gould argues there is little historical basis for believing either that Pambo was a highly educated figure or that he was contemporaneously associated with Origenism.
Relics & Shrines
By tradition, Pambo died while weaving a basket, and this basket became his first relic. Melania the Elder, present at his death, received it from him.
Commemoration
His feast is kept on July 18 in the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Roman Catholic churches. On the OCA calendar he is commemorated that day alongside the Martyr Emilian of Silistria, the Martyr Hyacinthus of Amastridea, John the Long-Suffering of the Kiev Near Caves, Grand Duchess Elizabeth, and Nun-martyr Barbara.
The OCA distinguishes Pambo the Hermit of Egypt from Pambo the Recluse of the Kiev Far Caves, who is also commemorated on July 18.
