Monasticism – which the world knew at the end of the third century AD, flourished in the fourth century so greatly that by the end of that century hundreds of monasteries and thousands of cells (the monk’s dwelling place) were established – is the spiritual offspring of Christianity emerging from the womb of the land of Egypt. Unsurprisingly, monasticism has spread in Egypt’s wilderness, deserts and valleys as a living product of the deep spiritual life that the Egyptians knew at the time, and a large number of them aspired to that sublime permanent perfect life with God, serving the world through their prayers raised to God for the good and peace of humankind.
The foundations of monasticism, its teachings, and its life set off from Egypt, and the Coptic Church presented them to the rest of the world, after all the roots of Christian monasteries stemmed, either directly or indirectly, from the life of Egyptian monasticism. In 357 AD, Saint Basil, the organizer of the monastic movement in Asia Minor, came to Egypt. In 400 AD, Saint Jerome, who translated the Bible into Latin, visited Egypt and left details of his experiences in Egypt written down in his letters. Likewise, Saint Benedict established monasteries in the sixth century, following the example of Saint Pachomius, the father of the cenobitic monastic life in Egypt. Moreover, an endless number of hermits visited the wilderness fathers, following the systems and discipline of their spiritual life. Hence, Egypt has preceded the countries of the world, not only culturally and cognitively, but also spiritually.
Ava Anthony, the Father of Monks
The world considers Ava Anthony the Great (251-356 AD), whose feast has been just celebrated on the twenty-second of Tubah (corresponding to January 30, 2023 AD), to be the “father and founder of monasticism”, although he was not the first pursuer of the life of monasticism, rather, others have preceded him. The monastic life of Ava Anthony began in the church on a day that the words of Lord Christ penetrated through his heart and mind: “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” Immediately, he obeyed the commandment, sold everything he owned and distributed the money among the poor and the needy, sent his sister to a nun convent, and began the journey of asceticism: first on the banks of the Nile, then he went to the inner wilderness to live in a cave, where he spent nearly twenty years in a life of unity, prayer and worship of God. The scent of his holy life spread and attracted many who desired to follow the traces of his spiritual footsteps; he became their father and guide. Thus, monasticism began to spread in the mountains, and the wilderness became a beacon full of monks who preferred to leave the world for the sake of life with God. Among the disciples of Ava Anthony is Pope Athanasius the Apostolic (the twentieth patriarch of Alexandria), he introduced to us the biography of Ava Anthony as well.
Ava Anthony gained wide fame, Pope Athanasius the Apostolic says about him: “Antonius gained fame, not from writings, nor from worldly wisdom, nor from any art, but from his service to God,” and called him: “a doctor and God’s gift to Egypt.” His pure biography proliferated worldwide, driving people from all over the world seeking his advice, or only his blessing, as it is mentioned about Emperor Constantine that he sent to asking for his blessing. His pure biography had a great impact on those who indulged in the lusts of life, so they offered sincere repentance and pursued in a life of righteousness and piety.
Likewise, it is mentioned about Ava Anthony that he left the wilderness twice: the first time to confront the Arians and their heresy to confirm the sound Orthodox faith, and the second time he went to Alexandria to support the martyrs and accompany them to the arenas of martyrdom, and to support the confessors in prisons. The saint had hoped to obtain the crown of martyrdom, but God preserved him for another mission, which is to take care of his monk sons and guide them along the difficult and narrow path leading to life. Among the teachings of Saint Anthony: “When the wind blows quietly, every sailor can think of himself as something great and be proud of his skills, but only the sudden change of the wind reveals the skill of the sailors.” And also: “God leads all through the work of His grace. Therefore, do not be lazy or obtuse, but rather pray to God all day and night so that God, the Lover of Mankind, may send you help from above to teach you what to do.”
The Star of the Wilderness, Saint Anthony, departed in 365 A.D. at the age of 105, after fulfilling his mission and struggle. And… stories about beautiful Egypt never end!
The General Bishop
Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center
