subject: Life of Saint Anthony of Egypt [print this page] Life of Saint Anthony of Egypt Life of Saint Anthony of Egypt
Copyright (c) 2011 Beverly JohnsonSaint Anthony of Egypt, also known as Saint Anthony Abbot and Saint Anthony of the Desert, lived from 261 A.D. to 356 A.D. in Egypt. He followed the words of Jesus Christ to the letter, giving up all his possessions and moving to the desert to live a monastic life.Father of MonasticismSt. Anthony of Egypt was one of the first "desert hermits" of early Christianity. He led the way to a strict monastic life of contemplation and prayer. At the same time, St. Athanasius of Alexandria wrote a book about St. Anthony of Egypt, detailing his life in the desert and his struggles with demons. The book inspired other Christians to give their belongings to the poor and begin monastic life.Saint Anthony of Egypt Patron SaintSt. Anthony Abbot is the patron saint of the Hospitallers of St. Anthony, a monastic order formed during the middle ages. This monastic order treated the poor people living in villages who were stricken by disease. The Hospitallers of St. Anthony received income by raising swine and used the money to treat the sick.Saint Anthony of Egypt IconsSaint Anthony of Egypt pictures often depict him with a scruffy, white beard. Saint Anthony usually has a serene look on his face, often in prayer. He wears a hooded cloak and holds a parchment in his hand. Many times, paintings of Saint Anthony of Egypt feature demons in the form of wild beasts, snakes, or reptiles around his feet. Saint Anthony fends off the demons, resisting their temptations of gold and other worldly treasures.Patronage of St. Anthony of Egyptagainst eczema
against epilepsy
against ergotism
against erysipelas
against pestilence
against Saint Anthony's Fire
against skin diseases
against skin rashes
amputees
animals
basket makers
basket weavers
brushmakers
Burgio, Sicily, Italy
butchers
Canas, Brazil
Castrofilippo, Agrigento, Italy
cemetery workers
Chiaravalle, Ancona, Italy
domestic animals
epileptics
Fivizzano, Italy
Fontainemore, Italy
gravediggers
graveyards
hermits
hogs
Hospitallers
monks
Mook, Netherlands
pigs
relief from pestilence
swine
swineherdsSaint Anthony of Egypt JewelryThe feast of Saint Anthony of Egypt is celebrated on January 17. Many Christians honor St. Anthony of the Desert by wearing a Saint Anthony of Egypt medallion or a Saint Anthony of Egypt medal. Wearing Saint Anthony of Egypt jewelry venerates this early Christian father and how his sacrifices paved the way for future Christian teachers. Christianity spread through the world by the influence of the "desert hermits" and their willingness to follow the way of Christ without question.
