Born in Egypt around 251, both of his parents died when he was in his late teens. 

He was inspired by the advice Jesus had given to a wealthy young man seeking Heaven, “Go, sell what you have and give to the poor, then come, follow Me.” 

And that is what Anthony did, giving away some of his land to neighbors, selling the rest, and giving the proceeds to those in need. 

Anthony had heard about St. Paul the Hermit who was living in the desert and went to see him. 

For the next 15 years, he worked several different and humble jobs, including being a shepherd, while learning from Paul. 

Eventually, Anthony himself became a hermit. 

He was hated by Satan, who tortured him relentlessly, and even beat him, at one point leaving him so battered, that he needed the help of local villagers to recover. 

Anthony began to attract followers, and when he was in his mid-50s he finally gave in to requests for him to form a community, allowing a series of small cells to be assembled but, always rejecting anything that called for large and grand buildings. 

During the persecution of Decius, when Anthony was in his 60s, he fearlessly visited those condemned for their faith. 

In his 80s, he joined the battle against Arianism. 

Considered the first Monk, Anthony died on this day in 356. 

St. Anthony of Egypt, please pray for us.