Saint Anthony of Egypt a Short Biography
Copyright (c) 2011 Beverly Johnson
Saint 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 Monasticism
St. 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 Saint
St. 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 Icons
Saint 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 Egypt
•against 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 •swineherds
Saint Anthony of Egypt Jewelry
The 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.
About the Author
Beverly Johnson Roberts, founder of Patriotic-Jewelry.com, is a goldsmith who graduated from FIT in New York City with a degree in jewelry design. Ms Roberts has an eye for choosing from among the best pre-designed jewelry available to sell at her site. She specializes in Religious Jewelry See some pieces devoted to St. Anthony of Egypt => http://www.patriotic-jewelry.com
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