Anthony the Great

Anthony the Great was a Christian monk from Egypt, revered since his death as a saint. He is considered the founder and father of organized Christian monasticism. He was born in Koma, near Al-Minyā, in the province of Heptanomis, around 251. His parents were wealthy landowners who died when he was about 18 years old, leaving him with the care of his younger sister. He was deeply influenced by the example of a local ascetic, who had renounced the world and lived in solitude. Anthony decided to follow this path and gave away his inheritance, entrusted his sister to a convent, and withdrew to the desert. He lived in various places, including a tomb, an abandoned fort, and a mountain called Pispir, where he faced many temptations and demonic attacks. He also performed many miracles and healed the sick. He attracted many disciples who wanted to imitate his way of life, and he organized them into communities, giving them a rule of life and spiritual guidance. He is regarded as the first Christian monk and the first abbot. He also supported the orthodox doctrine against the Arian heresy, and visited Alexandria twice to preach and encourage the persecuted Christians. He died at the age of 105, after naming two of his disciples as his successors. His biography, written by Athanasius of Alexandria, was widely circulated and inspired many to embrace the monastic life. He is venerated as a saint in the Orthodox Church, the Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion, and other Christian denominations. He is also the patron saint of animals, skin diseases, farmers, butchers, basket makers, and gravediggers.