Saint Anthony

Saint Anthony (251?-350?), Egyptian hermit, first Christian monk. As a wealthy young man of 20 he was impressed by the Christian teaching found in Matthew 19:21: “Go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.” He dispersed his inheritance and embraced asceticism. His struggles with demons in the desert and his austere mode of life attracted followers, and he devoted several years to the instruction of these disciples in monastic life. He did not, however, compile the rule that governed the community thus formed. This was written after Anthony's death by Saint Athanasius, who is also credited with writing the biography that is the main source of information about the life of Saint Anthony. Anthony left his retreat on various occasions. In about 311 he aided the Christians in Alexandria who were persecuted by the Emperor Maximinus, and in 350 he joined Athanasius in the fight against Arianism. Saint Anthony's type of asceticism, based on eremitism, or solitude, is one of the two strains in monasticism; the other is typified by the communal rule of Saint Benedict of Nursia. Saint Anthony's feast day is January 17.