Amma Syncletica of Alexandria was a Greek Christian ascetic of the 4th c. CE, a desert mother among the ‘desert fathers’ of the time. She came from a wealthy family, but when her parents died she cut off her hair, gave away her inheritance – attempting to do so without attracting attention to herself – and then lived in poverty in the desert outside of Alexandria. Although she did not wish to attract followers, women and girls sought her out, and her teaching often expressed spirituality through the domestic experiences – such as building a fire – that were common to women of the time.

In the beginning there is struggle and a lot of work for those who come near to God. But after that there is indescribable joy. It is just like building a fire: at first it is smoky and your eyes water, but later you get the desired result. Thus we ought to light the divine fire in ourselves with tears and effort.