In the previous article, we began tackling monasticism, which was first introduced in Egypt, then it spread out to the rest of the world. As mentioned, Saint Anthony (251- 356 AD), whose departure is celebrated on Tuba 22nd, corresponding to January 30, is the father of all monks and the founder of monasticism in the whole world, although he was preceded by some recluses. He was called “The Star of the Wilderness”.
Saint Pope Athanasius the Apostolic (the twentieth Patriarch of Alexandria) wrote the biography of Saint Anthony after he had learned from his discipleship, beginning: “Athanasius the Bishop, to the brothers in foreign lands: You have entered into an honorable competition with the monks of Egypt, with your intention of either equaling them or surpassing them in training on the path of virtue. Now you have monasteries… and since you have asked me to give you a description of the blessed life of Anthony, and because you want to know how he began his asceticism… I have agreed to fulfill your desire… about what I personally know, having seen Anthony many times, and what I was able to learn from him because I have been with him for a long time and poured water on his hands.”
Anthony was born in Upper Egypt, in the village of Qeman Al-Arous in the Wasta district of Beni Suef Governorate, in January 251 AD, to wealthy Coptic parents who loved God and were known for their love for the poor. They raised him and his younger sister in the fear of God. When Anthony’s father died, he stood before the body, contemplating the end of the world, saying to himself: “I am not surprised that you (my father) left unwillingly, but I would be surprised at myself if I do as you did” Anthony began to contemplate the glories of the eternal life to come and the end of the world, and the lives of the apostolic fathers who left everything and followed Lord Christ. Afterwards, Anthony entered the church as usual, and heard the words of Lord Christ in the Gospel: “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.” His heart was moved and he took the words of the commandment as a personal message addressed to him, and he returned to his home with a strong determination to carry it out. He quickly distributed to the poor what he had inherited from his parents; money, real estate, and lands, including three hundred acres of the best quality, and he kept enough money for his sister. Then he entered the church and heard the words of Lord Christ: “Do not worry about tomorrow.” Immediately, he distributed the remaining money to the needy, and he sent his sister in a house for pious virgins to grow up in.
As for Anthony, he lived a solitary life outside his village, guided by some hermits, as there were no monasteries in Egypt yet. In the neighboring village, an old man lived who had been ascetic since his youth, so Anthony sought him out and followed his example in the life of hermitage. Whenever he heard about a virtuous ascetic, he would go to him, longing to see him and learn from his virtues. He worked with his hands in accordance with the words of the book: “If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.” he spent part of his money on his food, and gave the rest to the poor. He led a life of persevered prayers, watching over the acquisition of virtues, until people loved him and began to call him “the beloved of God”.
Hermit Anthony went out to the inner wilderness where he isolated himself in an abandoned fortress, and never left it or saw a human face, so that everyone who came to him would stand outside and listen to his sermon and guidance. He would receive his food of bread and salt every six months. Thus, he remained in a life of solitude for twenty years. During that time, the fragrance of his pious life spread until it attracted many young men to leave the world and lead a life of solitude and worshipping. So monasteries were built in the mountains and the desert was filled with monks. Saint Anthony would go out to visit them and check on them, as he became their father and guide. He built monasteries for them and enacted rules for their monastic life, where each monk or hermit would spend five days a week in his cell, and they would all gather on Saturdays, Sundays and feasts in the nearest monastery to their places of residence, to participate in the prayers of the Mass.
The saint went through many trials, hardships and satanic wars that tried to distract him from the path of asceticism and attachment to God, but he triumphed over them with God’s help and power. God granted him the gift of healing the sick, so people came to him from everywhere, so he preached to them and prayed for them, so they would receive healing of soul and body. Saint Anthony left his cell and went down to Alexandria twice: the first time was in 311 AD during the persecutions, desiring to become a martyr for Lord Christ, but God willed to protect him and he returned to his monastery safely. The second time was in 355 AD when he defended the true faith against the persecution of the Arians, he endured painful suffering, but God preserved him in peace.
When God’s will permitted, Saint Anthony had a great opportunity to receive the blessing of Saint Paula, the first hermit, when he visited him in his solitary cell in the inner wilderness. When Saint Anthony felt that his death was near, he gathered his monk disciples and preached to them, and advised them to bury his body after his departure from the world. He rested in the Lord at the age of one hundred and five years. Saint Anthony had many sayings and teachings, including: “Beware of lying! For it drives the fear of God out of man!”, and his saying: “Think every day that it is the last day left in the world, for that will save you from sin.”
As for Saint Paula, there is more to say…
And stories about beautiful Egypt never end!
The General Bishop Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center
