From Outlaw to Saint: The Story of St. Moses the Black Coming to Theatres

If you’ve ever thought, “No way could I be a saint,” you’re in good company—so did St. Moses the Black (also known as Moses the Strong, Abba Moses the Robber, or Moses the Ethiopian). He was a feared gang leader, a thief, and a fugitive. But through radical conversion, he became one of the Church’s most inspiring saints, proving that no one is too lost to be found.

And now, his story is coming to the big screen.

The filmmakers behind Man of God have announced Moses the Black, an upcoming feature starring Omar Epps, Wiz Khalifa, Quavo, and Chukwudi Iwuji. Set in modern-day Chicago, the film draws a powerful parallel between St. Moses’ dramatic conversion and the struggle of a contemporary gang leader seeking redemption. But before the Hollywood adaptation, let’s explore the real story behind this extraordinary saint.

A Life of Crime, A Life Redeemed

Born around 330 AD in Ethiopia, Moses was enslaved as a young man by an Egyptian official. His violent and unruly nature led to his exile, as he was suspected of robbery and murder. Cast out and left to survive on his own, Moses turned back to what he knew best—a new family in crime.

He became the ruthless leader of a gang of robbers, raiding villages and terrorizing travelers in the Nile Valley. But crime bosses make enemies. Soon, authorities began hunting him, so Moses fled deeper into the desert. Little did he know, God had a plan for him.

He stumbled upon a monastery of monks devoted to Christ. Seeking refuge, he encountered something even more shocking than the solitude of the desert: the monks’ mercy. Their peace unsettled him. Their love challenged him. Over time, their way of life broke through his hardened heart. Moses repented, was baptized, and renounced his past to embrace the call of monasticism.

He went from leading a gang of killers to leading a community of monks in prayer and fasting. When his former gang came to rob the monastery, he didn’t retaliate. Instead, he overpowered them and led them to conversion—just as the monks had done for him.

A Saint for the Broken

Moses the Black is proof that sainthood isn’t reserved for the squeaky clean—it’s for the restless, the rebellious, and everyone in between. We are all sinners, hungry for God’s mercy and forgiveness. Moses is now venerated as the patron saint of hospitality, nonviolence, penitents, and reformed thieves.

Even in death, his witness remained powerful. When Berber raiders stormed his monastery, he refused to take up arms. Instead, he urged his fellow monks to flee while he stood his ground, embracing martyrdom. With striking conviction, he accepted that a violent end was fitting for a former bandit, echoing Christ’s words: 

All who take the sword will perish by the sword.

Moses The Black – The Movie

Moses’ transformation isn’t just an old story–it’s still just as relevant today. Moses the Black brings this saint’s legacy into the modern world, following a Chicago gang leader’s struggle between violence and redemption.

Directed by Yelena Popovic (Man of God), the film features a powerhouse cast:

• Omar Epps as Malik, the gang leader mirroring St. Moses’ story
• Wiz Khalifa as 2wo-3ree, Malik’s volatile right-hand man
• Quavo as Straw, his ruthless rival
• Chukwudi Iwuji as St. Moses the Black himself

Produced by Alexandros Potter and Yelena Popovic for Simeon Faith, the film is backed by industry heavyweights, including Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson’s G-Unit Film and Television, Wiz Khalifa’s Taylor Gang Films, and Omar Epps’ BrooklynWorks Films.

50 Cent, one of the executive producers, shared his enthusiasm, saying that “collaborating with great talent ensures we’re bringing authentic and compelling stories to the screen. Yelena’s vision for this film is sure to create a hit.”

Moses the Black joins a wave of powerful faith-based storytelling seen in The Chosen, Fox Nation’s The Saints, and Amazon Prime Video’s House of David. With its gripping, real-life redemption arc, this film is set to resonate with audiences far beyond the pews.

Whether in the deserts of Egypt or the streets of Chicago, the message remains the same: 

No one is beyond God’s mercy.

Saint Moses the Black, pray for us!

For more on Moses the Black, visit www.simeonfaith.com.

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With over eight years of experience and a Bachelor’s in Creative Writing, Marge Hynes is a dynamic writer whose portfolio spans SEO-driven copywriting, journalism, and marketing—a versatile skill set that allows her to craft compelling content for Paloma & Fig’s projects.

Marge’s Catholic faith serves as the cornerstone of her work. She approaches storytelling with thoughtfulness and a deep appreciation for the Lord’s own creative power. Her love of the written word shines through in every project, helping clients articulate their message with clarity, heart, and purpose.
When she’s not writing, Marge can be found leading praise and worship, diving into theological books, or exploring the great outdoors with her loyal dog, Augustine (Auggie for short).