Anthony the Great
Who was Anthony the Great?
Egyptian Christian monk, hermit, and saint (died 356)
Biographical data adapted from Wikipedia’s article on Anthony the Great (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Biography
Anthony the Great (c. 251-356) was an Egyptian Christian monk whose life greatly impacted Christian monasticism. Born around January 12, 251, in Herakleopolis Magna, Egypt, Anthony came from a wealthy Christian family during the later Roman Empire. His journey from a wealthy young man to a hermit began around 270 when he was inspired by a Gospel reading about giving up possessions to follow Christ. This led him to give away his inheritance to the poor and begin a life of asceticism that lasted over eighty years.
Around 285, Anthony moved further into the Egyptian desert, initially living in ancient tombs near his village, then in an abandoned Roman fort at Pispir, and finally at Mount Colzim near the Red Sea. His strict lifestyle and reported spiritual battles with demons attracted followers who wanted his advice. Although he preferred to be alone, Anthony occasionally came out to teach his disciples and organize the monastic communities that formed around him. He supported orthodox Christianity during theological disputes, particularly standing with Athanasius of Alexandria against Arianism.
Anthony's impact reached beyond his immediate followers through his letters and teachings. Despite being illiterate and relying on interpreters, his wisdom and reported miracles drew visitors from across the Roman Empire, including emperors who sought his counsel. Athanasius of Alexandria wrote a biography shortly after Anthony's death, which played a key role in spreading Christian monasticism, especially in Western Europe through Latin translations.
Anthony spent his final years in his mountain retreat, passing away on January 17, 356, at about 105 years old. According to Athanasius, Anthony wanted to be buried in an unmarked grave to prevent his remains from becoming objects of veneration. His death marked the end of an era in early Christian asceticism, but his influence only grew after his passing. The monastic traditions he helped create became central to Christian spirituality, earning him the title 'Father of All Monks' and establishing his feast day on January 17 in both Eastern Orthodox and Catholic traditions.
Before Fame
Anthony grew up during the latter half of the third century in Roman Egypt, a time when Christians faced persecution from emperors like Decius and Diocletian. His parents were well-off Coptic Christians who owned a lot of land in Middle Egypt. When Anthony was about eighteen or twenty, both of his parents passed away within six months, leaving him with significant wealth and the responsibility of caring for his younger sister.
The turning point came when Anthony went to church and heard the Gospel passage from Matthew 19:21: 'If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor.' This reading sparked his religious change. He sold his family's 200 acres of fertile land, gave the money to villagers, and arranged for his sister's care in a community of Christian virgins. This decision happened at a time when Christian asceticism was growing as a response to both persecution and the church's increasing alignment with Roman society.
Key Achievements
- Pioneered Christian hermit monasticism in the Egyptian desert around 270 AD
- Established the first organized monastic communities that became models for Christian monasticism
- Inspired Athanasius of Alexandria to write his influential biography, spreading monastic ideals across the Roman Empire
- Supported orthodox Christianity against Arianism during major theological controversies
- Created a lasting tradition of desert spirituality that influenced both Eastern and Western Christianity
Did You Know?
- 01.Anthony reportedly lived to be 105 years old and claimed his teeth remained strong and his eyesight clear throughout his advanced age
- 02.He spoke only Coptic and required interpreters when communicating with Greek-speaking visitors, including the scholar Jerome
- 03.The term 'Saint Anthony's Fire' originated from medieval beliefs that Anthony could cure ergotism and other inflammatory skin conditions
- 04.Despite founding monasticism, Anthony spent only brief periods teaching others and preferred decades of complete solitude in the desert
- 05.Emperor Constantine and his sons wrote personal letters seeking Anthony's spiritual advice, though the hermit was barely literate