Anthony the Great

NAME: Anthony the Great (also known as Anthony of Egypt, Anthony the Abbot, Anthony of the Desert, Anthony the Anchorite, and Anthony of Thebes)

WHAT FAMOUS FOR: Anthony the Great, also known as Saint Anthony, is famous for being one of the earliest and most prominent Christian monks. He is considered the father of monasticism and is renowned for his ascetic lifestyle and spiritual teachings.

BIRTH: Born around 251 AD in Coma, a village near Heracleopolis Magna in Upper Egyp

FAMILY BACKGROUND: Anthony came from a relatively wealthy family with landownership. After the death of his parents, he inherited their estate but soon gave it all away to the poor, choosing a life of asceticism.

After he left to live an ascetic life,, Anthony placed his unmarried sister with a group of Christian virgins

CHILDHOOD: Little is known about Anthony's early childhood, but his life took a significant turn after the death of his parents when he began seeking spiritual enlightenment.

EDUCATION: Anthony did not receive formal education in the traditional sense. His education was rooted in a deep spiritual journey, guided by his Christian faith and a desire for solitude and prayer.

CAREER RECORD: Not applicable in the traditional sense. Anthony's career was dedicated to monasticism and spirituality. He lived as a hermit for many years before establishing a monastic community in the Egyptian desert.

APPEARANCE: Descriptions of Anthony's appearance vary, but he is often depicted as a lean and weathered figure due to his ascetic lifestyle.

An icon depicting the Saint Anthony the Great, father of monasticism

FASHION: His clothing consisted of simple, rough garments, reflecting his commitment to a life of poverty and humility.

CHARACTER: Anthony is described as strong-willed, courageous and determined. He was known for his extreme asceticism, humility, and devotion to God. Anthony exhibited great compassion and wisdom, attracting followers who sought his guidance.

SENSE OF HUMOR: While Anthony was dedicated to a serious and contemplative life, he was not devoid of humor. He appreciated the joy found in simplicity and humility.

SPEAKING VOICE Anthony the Great was renowned as an extraordinary preacher.  His voice was likely clear and articulate, enabling him to effectively explain complex theological concepts and dispel heresies.  Anthony's speaking manner probably reflected his reputation for humility and asceticism, perhaps characterized by a modest yet authoritative tone.

He likely spoke with conviction and passion when teaching and addressing his followers, as evidenced by his ability to attract and guide numerous disciples.  During exorcisms and confrontations with demons, Anthony's voice would have been particularly impactful, as accounts describe him speaking boldly and authoritatively in these situations.  His teaching style, reportedly direct and focused on practical spiritual guidance, suggests a straightforward and clear manner of speaking.

RELATIONSHIPS: Anthony had deep spiritual relationships with fellow monks and followers. His teachings attracted many disciples who sought his guidance in the pursuit of a devout life.

He maintained close relationships with his sister. 

MONEY AND FAME: Despite inheriting wealth, Anthony chose a life of poverty. He became famous for his asceticism rather than for worldly riches or fame.

FOOD AND DRINK: Anthony embraced a simple diet, often consisting of bread and water. He practiced fasting as a means of spiritual discipline.

MUSIC AND ARTS: Anthony's life was more focused on spiritual contemplation than on artistic or musical pursuits.

LITERATURE: Though not formally educated, he likely had some knowledge of scripture and early Christian writings. 

Anthony's life and teachings have been extensively documented by his followers, contributing to early Christian literature.

The primary source of information about Anthony is derived from the Life of Anthony, a Greek biography composed around 360 AD by Athanasius of Alexandria. This work gained widespread popularity in its time and played a significant role in disseminating the ascetic ideal within both Eastern and Western Christian communities, establishing itself as a bestseller of its era.

NATURE: Anthony found solace and connection with God in the solitude of the Egyptian desert, often using nature as a means of contemplation.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS: His lifestyle did not involve conventional hobbies or sports. Anthony's focus was on prayer, meditation, and the pursuit of spiritual growth.

SCIENCE AND MATHS: Anthony's interests were primarily spiritual, and there is no record of his involvement in scientific or mathematical pursuits.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY: St. Anthony the Great's philosophy and theology were deeply rooted in Christian asceticism and monasticism. His approach to spirituality was characterized by several key elements.

He believed in the importance of humility for a strong relationship with Jesus Christ. This was demonstrated through his actions, such as changing his lifestyle to teach monasticism when people sought his guidance, obeying bishops' requests to visit Alexandria despite his preference for solitude, and supporting and encouraging martyrs awaiting trial and torture.

Discipline and Perseverance were also hallmarks of Anthony's life. He practiced strict self-discipline, focusing on seeking out and imitating virtuous individuals to improve himself. He strived for excellence in various virtues through imitation of saints and devotion to Christ. Perseverance was emphasized as key to the ascetic life, with Anthony advising against pride in one's achievements.

Wisdom and Simplicity were valued by Anthony. Despite his lack of formal education, he was known for his wisdom. He argued that a sound mind was more important than literacy and believed in the power of faith over complex philosophical arguments. He rejected Greek philosophical thought and scientific investigation, viewing them as potential barriers between humans and God.

Spiritual Warfare was a significant aspect of Anthony's spirituality. He believed in the reality of spiritual forces, perceiving demons as manifesting both physically and as troublesome thoughts. He taught about discerning between good and evil spiritual presences.

Asceticism and Detachment were central to his philosophy. He sold all his possessions and gave the money to the poor, emphasizing detachment from worldly goods and pleasures. He believed in the power of the human will to overcome nature and submit the flesh to the spirit.

Anthony's approach to Christianity was characterized by immediate and unwavering commitment. Unlike some contemporaries who struggled with their calling, Anthony responded promptly to his spiritual vocation and remained steadfast in his pursuit of holiness throughout his life.

SCANDAL: Anthony's life was not marked by scandal, but he faced internal and external challenges as he sought to live a life of extreme asceticism.

MILITARY RECORD: Anthony was not a military figure, but his spiritual journey involved battles against personal temptations and spiritual struggles.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS: Despite the physical challenges of his ascetic lifestyle, Anthony maintained robust health, attributed by many to his unwavering faith and disciplined way of life.  He lived to be 105 years old.

HOMES: Initially, Anthony lived in his family home in Egypt until he was about 20 years old. After giving away his possessions, he began his ascetic life by living in a tomb near his village.

Later, Anthony moved to the Eastern Desert of Egypt, where he spent many years in solitude. He first lived in an abandoned fort across the Nile from Pispir for about 20 years.

Around 305 AD, Anthony emerged from his isolation and began to attract followers. He established a loosely organized community of monks who lived in individual cells surrounding a communal worship center3. This settlement eventually grew into the Monastery of Saint Anthony, built between 298 and 300 Ad.

In his later years, Anthony retreated further into the desert, settling on a mountain near the Red Sea shore. This location became the site of the Monastery of St. Anthony (Deir Mar Antonios), where he spent the last 45 years of his life. The monastery still stands today and is considered one of the most prominent in Egypt.

During his time with Count Tiso near Padua in 1231, Anthony briefly lived in a unique dwelling - a tree house. Count Tiso had a small shelter constructed for Anthony in the branches of a large walnut tree, where the saint spent time in prayer and contemplation during his final weeks.

Today, the Monastery of Saint Anthony in Egypt continues Anthony's legacy. It is a self-contained village with gardens, a mill, a bakery, and five churches, serving as a testament to the enduring influence of St. Anthony the Great.

Monastery of Saint Anthony, Egypt by Berthold Werner

TRAVEL: While Anthony spent most of his life in the Egyptian desert, he occasionally traveled to urban centers to support and guide those seeking his spiritual counsel.

DEATH: Anthony passed away on January 17, 356 AD aged 105 on Mount Colzim in the Egyptian desert surrounded by his disciples. His death marked the end of a life dedicated to spiritual contemplation and asceticism.

According to his wishes, his tomb was to be kept a secret. Two of his disciples took it upon themselves to fulfill his request and buried him in a hidden location to prevent his body from becoming a revered object.

St. Athanasius documented Anthony's last will, where he clearly expressed his desire: "Bury my body, therefore, and hide it underground yourselves, and let my words be observed by you that no one may know the place but you alone. For at the resurrection of the dead I shall receive it incorruptible from the Savior."

Despite Anthony's clear instructions for secrecy, there are conflicting accounts regarding the final resting place of his remains:

Some traditions hold that his grave remains unknown, honoring his original request.

Other accounts suggest his remains were discovered in 361 AD and relocated to Alexandria.

Later stories claim the remains were moved to Constantinople for protection against invaders from Saracens.

There's also a belief that in the 11th century, a Byzantine emperor presented the relics to a French Count, who then transferred them to La-Motte-Saint-Didier (later renamed Saint-Antoine-en-Dauphiné).

Today, various locations, including churches in Arles and Saint-Antoine-L'Abbaye in France, claim to possess Anthony's relics.

The true location of St. Anthony the Great's remains remains a mystery, shrouded in belief and conflicting accounts.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA: Anthony's life has been portrayed in various artistic forms, including paintings, literature, and films, depicting his spiritual journey and contributions to early Christian monasticism.

ACHIEVEMENTS: Anthony's primary achievement lies in his role as a pioneer of Christian monasticism. 

His teachings and example influenced generations of monks and laid the groundwork for the development of monastic communities in Christianity.

Anthony's feast day is celebrated on January 17 among the Orthodox and Catholic churches.