St. Antonio's Day

St. AnthonySt. Anthony became famous for being one of the first to try out ascetic life in the desert, being completely divorced from civilization. Therefore, he is rightly considered the founder of monasticism, a new spiritual movement of that time.

Antony was born around the middle of the 3rd century near Heracleopolis in Upper Egypt. He was the son of wealthy parents and was orphaned at the age of twenty. Anthony gave all his wealth to the poor and needy and devoted himself exclusively to religious pursuits.

Among Christians, asceticism, abstinence, fasting and prayers were widespread. They did it among their families and did not leave home. Antony became famous for being the first hermit who tried life in the desert, in harsh conditions. He went to a place called Nitra, about 95 km from Alexandria, one of the harshest places in the western desert. There he was overcome by temptations, temptations, which were replaced by visions and a terrifying hum. But he endured all the trials through prayer and faith in God.

He then found a dwelling in one of the tombs, near his native village, where he lived behind a locked door, supported by some locals who brought food. After some time he became exhausted, exhausted and exhausted, then his friends from the nearest village took him to church.

The Temptations of St. Anthony

After recovering, he made another attempt and returned to the desert. Later, Antony decided to completely rid himself of the company of people and remained completely alone. He crossed the Nile, and on a mountain near the east bank of Pispirus (now Der el Memum), he found an old Roman fortress, in which he locked himself and lived there for twenty years. From time to time he was visited by pilgrims, whom he refused to appear to; but gradually a number of potential followers settled in caves and huts around the mountain. Thus formed a colony of hermits, which asked Antony to go out and become their guide in the spiritual life.

One day Antony appeared from the fortress. Many expected to see him exhausted and deranged, but he appeared healthy, calm and enlightened. Everyone was amazed that he had gone through all these trials and came out spiritually restored.

Twice he came to Alexandria to support the Christian martyrs who were persecuted in the year 311, and the second, near the end of his life, to give instructions against the Arians. He died at the age of about 105. When Anthony felt his death approaching, he ordered two of his disciples to bury his body in an inconspicuous place, so that his person would not be made an object of worship.