He was born in Egypt around the year 250 to noble and wealthy parents, who raised him in the Christian faith. At the age of eighteen, he became an orphan and took on the care of his sister. Hearing in the church the words of the Savior about selling possessions and following Him, he renounced his inheritance in favor of the poor. After this, leaving his sister under the care of Christian virgins, he withdrew into the desert.
Gradually, his withdrawal from the world became his way of life. He first lived with a pious elder, then became a hermit in a cave, where he suffered from hunger, thirst, cold, and heat. He was tormented by temptations and demons, but the Lord appeared to him for encouragement. Antony learned to work and pray, which helped him in his struggle against thoughts.
After twenty years of solitude, disciples began to come to him, and he became a father to many. He founded a monastic brotherhood, where each lived separately but worked and prayed together. Antony did not establish strict rules but inspired a pious life and devotion to God.
He sought solitude from the multitude of people and, hearing a voice from heaven, went into the inner desert. There he found Saint Paul of Thebes, with whom he conversed about life and faith. Paul predicted his death and asked Antony to bring the mantle of Bishop Athanasius for burial.
Antony, fulfilling the request, returned and found Paul already dead. He buried him with honors, and two lions helped to dig the grave. The Venerable Antony died in deep old age, having lived 106 years, and for his exploits received the title of the Great. He founded eremitic monasticism, which became the foundation for future monasteries and communities.
