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Born in Egypt, and author of some of the earliest examples of monastic literature, St Anthony has been influential across the world, from the East to the West. To this day his life stands as a testimony to the ascetical life, which was both then and now, "spoken of everywhere, and admired by everyone."
This book includes an abridged version of the Greek translation of the Life of Anthony by St Athanasius, to make it accessible for young readers. the second part of the book includes contemplations by Pope Shenouda III on the life of St Anthony, who was a very special companion of His Holiness, who was originally named Fr Antonios as a monk.
We hope you find this edition eye-opening to the wonder of St Anthony’s life and to the mysteries of asceticism.
About the author
Athanasius of Alexandria (c. 296-298 - 2 May 373), also called Athanasius the Great, Athanasius the Confessor or, primarily in the Coptic Orthodox Church, Athanasius the Apostolic, was the 20th bishop of Alexandria (as Athanasius I). His intermittent episcopacy spanned 45 years (c. 8 June 328 - 2 May 373), of which over 17 years encompassed five exiles, when he was replaced on the order of four different Roman emperors. Athanasius was a Christian theologian, a Church Father, the chief defender of Trinitarianism against Arianism, and a noted Egyptian leader of the fourth century.
Conflict with Arius and Arianism as well as successive Roman emperors shaped Athanasius' career. In 325, at the age of 27, Athanasius began his leading role against the Arians as a deacon and assistant to Bishop Alexander of Alexandria during the First Council of Nicaea. Roman emperor Constantine the Great had convened the council in May-August 325 to address the Arian position that the Son of God, Jesus of Nazareth, is of a distinct substance from the Father. Three years after that council, Athanasius succeeded his mentor as archbishop of Alexandria. In addition to the conflict with the Arians (including powerful and influential Arian churchmen led by Eusebius of Nicomedia), he struggled against the Emperors Constantine, Constantius II, Julian the Apostate and Valens. He was known as Athanasius Contra Mundum (Latin for Athanasius Against the World).
Nonetheless, within a few years after his death, Gregory of Nazianzus called him the "Pillar of the Church." He is venerated as a Christian saint, whose feast day is 2 May in Western Christianity, 15 May in the Coptic Orthodox Church, and 18 January in the other Eastern Orthodox Churches. He is venerated by the Oriental and Eastern Orthodox Churches, the Catholic Church, the Lutheran churches, and the Anglican Communion.
