Description

St. Anthony the Great (c. AD 251–356) was born in Egypt to prosperous Christian parents. After their death, he heard Christ’s command to the rich young man read in church (Matthew 19:21), distributed his inheritance and dedicated himself to prayer and asceticism. He later withdrew into the Egyptian desert, where he endured severe temptations while growing in humility, discernment and complete dependence upon God.

Although not the first Christian ascetic, Anthony’s example inspired generations of monks and earned him the title “Father of Monasticism.” His solitude did not separate him from the Church: disciples sought his counsel, the suffering came for prayer, and he emerged during persecution to strengthen the martyrs. He also supported St. Athanasius and the Orthodox confession against Arianism.

Icon Source & Historical Details

Location: Dionysiou Monastery, Mount Athos

Iconographer: Theophanes the Cretan

Date: 16th century

Tradition: Cretan

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