The illustrious life of St. Antony of Egypt comes to us from St. Athanasius, whose writings about Antony have been considered a classic since the early centuries. Antony was born of wealthy Christian parents at Comus, Egypt in the year 250. Athanasius tells us that as a young boy, Antony did not care for schooling and even shunned the companionship of other children. He desired to follow the example of Jacob in the Old Testament and lead a simple life. His parents died when he was about eighteen to twenty, leaving him with a young sister to care for.

As Athanasius tells us, about six months after his parents death, Antony stopped in a church and heard the Gospel of Matthew 19:21 being read, "If you wish to be perfect, go and sell what you own and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me." Antony took these words very seriously, sold all of his property and keeping only a small amount for his sister, he gave the rest to the poor. However when he entered the church later he heard the Gospel reading from Matthew 6:34, "Do not worry about tomorrow," so he placed his young sister in the care of a group of consecrated women, gave away the rest of his money and sought a more ascetical life.

At first Antony lived near a hermit in the next village and learned all he could from him. He would also visit other holy men he heard about to learn all he could about living the Gospel truths. Soon Antony's reputation for holiness and wisdom spread. Many would come to him for spiritual counseling.

Antony moved away from the village further into the desert near some tombs so as to gain more solitude. He stayed at the tombs for 12 to 15 years, but once again to gain solitude and grow deeper in relationship with God he moved deep into the desert into an abandoned fort. After a time people found him again and continued to seek spiritual counsel from him.

Antony's major focus of counsel dealt with avoiding temptations to sin and the discernment of good and evil spirits. He left his retreat to offer himself to martyrdom during the persecution of Emperor Maximin Deja, but God had other plans. Antony would visit the imprisoned, encouraging and exhorting them to faithfulness to the message of Christ. He also fought the Arian heresy which was very pronounced through the whole Middle East at that time.

Antony lived to the age of 105, never ceasing to deepen his relationship with God. He also expended great effort in teaching others about God and encouraging their total commitment to the Gospel values as taught by Jesus. He is considered the "Father of monks," and his Life by St. Athanasius is considered essential reading for monks and many laity read the Life as well.

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© 1998 The Monastery of Christ in the Desert