St. Anthony the Great

January 17th
Troparion (Tone 2)
Thou didst follow the ways of zealous Elijah, and the straight path of the Baptist, O Father Anthony. Thou didst become a desert dweller and support the world by thy prayers. Intercede with Christ our God that our souls may be saved.

St. Anthony was the forerunner and shaper of the monastic movement. He was born about 250 in a village near Heracleopolis, Egypt, of rich and noble parents. After the death of his parents, he secured his sister's position preserving her half of their inheritance for her. He gave his half away and retreated into the desert near the Red Sea. He spent 20 years in the company of no one but God. After that, others were retreating to the desert and discovering his great wisdom. He discipled many ascetics in the deserts of Egypt. Only twice did he leave the desert to enter Alexandria, once to seek martyrdom, the second time to refute the charge that he was Arian. He was unable to read, yet confounded the philosophers with his great wisdom. He reposed at the age of 105, leaving behind a multitude of monastics, in the year 356. With the toleration of Christianity and the threat of martyrdom greatly reduced, many men and women sought the martyrdom of asceticism in their pursuit of holiness. St. Anthony was there to give order and lead the way.

This Icon is by the hand of Nicholas Papas.

Order # inp-36

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