St. Anthony of the Desert

St. Anthony of the Desert (c. 251–356), a religious hermit and monk, is known as the founder of monasticism. His rule of order was one of the first to create guidelines for monastic living. He became a monk at age 20 and withdrew into total solitude on a desert mountain near the Nile River. Here he overcame extreme temptations of the devil, and in 305 emerged from total seclusion to instruct nearby hermits in the ways of monasticism. His face showed lasting peace. He demonstrated the power of Christ to touch lives by healing the sick, providing spiritual guidance, casting out demons, and preaching. Many were attracted to monasticism by his example. Athanasius's Life of Antony perpetuated his story and inspired waves of monks who civilized and evangelized Europe and the Near East.

With the end of Christian persecution in 313, Anthony established a monastery between the Nile and the Red Sea. This same monastery exists today.

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