Feast of Saint Anthony – January 17


Anthony the Great, as he is known in Christian tradition, was an Egyptian monk in the fourth century, who is known as the Father of Monasticism.

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Anthony was born in 251 in Egypt and lost his parents at the age of 18. A few years later, while in church, he heard the words of Jesus: “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” (Matthew 19:21) and decided that he must live according to what the Lord said. He sent his unmarried sister to live with a group of consecrated women, and he found for himself a spiritual father in the desert.

Anthony consecrated his days to prayer and asceticism in the desert, in the area of Wadi Natroun (between Cairo and Alexandria, where there are a number of Coptic monasteries until today). He died at the ripe age of 105 in 356.

The story of Anthony became known through the book of Saint Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria, who wrote his biography. The book emphasizes the spiritual struggle of Anthony to remain faithful to his Lord. This book contributed greatly to the spread of the monastic doctrine throughout the Church.

Read The Life of Saint Anthony by Saint Athanasius of Alexandria here

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