Saint Agathon of Egypt, a contemporary of Saint Macarius the Great, lived in the Skete desert in Egypt. He was distinguished by his extraordinary humility, considering himself the greatest of sinners. One day, some monks came to him for a spiritual conversation and asked him questions about his virtues and vices. The saint humbly confirmed all accusations except for heresy, explaining that heresy is a self-denial of the Truth of God.
When asked which deeds are more important for salvation, external or internal, he replied that a person is like a tree: external activities bring leaves, while inner ones bear fruit. He emphasized that one should pay more attention to the fruit, for "every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire."
Saint Agathon reposed around the year 435. Three days before his death, he sat silently and attentively, as if gazing into something. When asked by the monks, he replied that he saw himself at the Judgment before Christ. He expressed doubt about his good deeds, saying that he could not be sure he had pleased God until he saw Him. Having said this, the saint departed to the Lord.
