A Novel of Sin and Redemption, Inspired by the life of Saint Moses the Black.

Moe ruled the city with gun and muscle. In a single night, he lost everything. Hunted and out of options, he finds sanctuary at an Orthodox monastery, where an elder meets his violence with unyielding grace. As his old life claws him back, Moe must choose: revenge or redemption. The cross, or the gun.

Moses: The Cross and the Gun is a contemporary novel based on the life of Saint Moses the Black. Readers follow a gang leader’s journey toward repentance and struggle with “the old man” and the past. The book is heavily inspired by ancient Christian writings and desert wisdom, with themes from Saint Anthony the Great, Saint Macarius, John Cassian, Evagrius, Saint Theophan the Recluse and more. An honest story of repentance, in unflinching prose.

What Readers are Saying:
“A remarkable modern rendition… Elgamal conveys both the scandal and the beauty of the life of St. Moses the Strong.”
Fr. Anthony Mourad, St. George & St. Anthony Coptic Orthodox Church

“In imaginative, un-sanitized prose, Elgamal has captured the spirit of one of the greatest stories of repentance in the orthodox tradition… This novelization is a true gift.”
Sherry Shenoda, author of Mummy Eaters and The Lightkeeper

This novel is for you if you enjoy:

The lives of the Saints and Church Fathers

Unsantized and honest stories of repentance

Character-driven fiction

Content advisory
Mature audiences (18+ / parental guidance advised). Contains depictions and references to criminal activity, drugs, violence, and explicit language.