This outstanding father of all monks was born in Egypt about the year 250. After
the death of his parents he gave his worldly goods to the poor and went into the
desert to live a life of penance. Many became his followers he taught them the
way of holiness. He founded a monastery and was the first Abbot to form a rule
for his family of monks dedicated to divine service. For this reason he is
called the “Patriarch of Monks”. He worked for the church, supporting the
confessors or the faith in their suffering during the persecution of Diocletian,
and Saint Athanasius in his struggle against the Arians. He died in the year
356.
Lord God,
You bestowed on Saint Anthony
The grace of serving you in the
wilderness
By a strange and wonderful way of
life.
Grant that through his
intercession
We may deny ourselves
And love you above all things.
We make our prayer through our
Lord.
Amen.
From the book of
“Daily Prayer”
And “The Book of
Saints” by Father Lovasik
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