She began her life as a young woman who followed the passions of the body, running away from her parents at age twelve for Alexandria. There she lived as a harlot for seventeen years, refusing money from the men that she copulated with, instead living by begging and spinning flax. Later, the story of Mary's life was written down by St. Sophronius, Patriarch of Jerusalem (cf. "External links"). The Life of St. Mary of Egypt is read during Great Lent along with the Great Canon of St. Andrew.