ANTHONY OF THE DESERT

BIOGRAPHY

• Born 251 B.C.E in Egypt
• Died in Egypt in 356 B.C.E
• Has two major shrines, one in Egypt and one in France
• He lived most of his life as a hermit
• Known as the father of modern monasticism

BIOGRAPHY CONTINUED

• It's said that his lifestyle angered the devil so the devil beat him

PATRON SAINT OF...

• Skin diseases
• This is because skin disease was common among the hermits
• Basket makers
• Brushmakers
• Gravediggers

ICONAGRAPHY

• Pig: Monks raised swine for charity
• Tau Cross: often depicted as a staff, was a sign of monasticism
• Bell: used to herd swine

“The devil is afraid of us when we pray and make sacrifices. He is also afraid when we are humble and good. He is especially afraid when we love Jesus very much. He runs away when we make the Sign of the Cross.”

Someone asked Abba Anthony "What must one do in order to please God." He replied "Pay attention to what I tell you: whoever you may be, always have God before your eyes, whatever you do, do it according to the testimony of the Holy Scriptures; in whatever place you live do not easily leave. Keep these three precepts and you will be saved"

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Saint Anthony, you spoke of the importance of persevering in our faith and our practice. Help us to wake up each day with new zeal for the Christian life and a desire to take the next challenge instead of just sitting still. Amen

QUESTIONS

• Where is Anthony of the desert from?
• Where are his major shrines located?
• Name two things he is a patron of.
• Name one thing he is pictured with.
• What is he the founder of?