Saint Anthony of Egypt, Abbot

Anthony was born about 251 into a Christian farming family in Middle Egypt. At about twenty he heard in church the Gospel words “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you have, and give to the poor,” and did exactly that. He lived first near his village, then in an old tomb and later in an abandoned fort, and finally on a mountain near the Red Sea. His Life, written by Athanasius of Alexandria, tells of long struggles with temptations and demons.

Disciples gathered around him, and he is remembered as the father of monks. Twice he went down to Alexandria, to strengthen the martyrs and to support Athanasius against the Arian party. He died in 356, aged about 105, asking that his burial place be kept secret.