| Anthony, Saint (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. Source:
Microsoft Encarta 97 |
TEMPLE
OF ST. ANTHONY
