St. Anthony the Great
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St. Anthony, known as the father and founder of Monasticism and was the first of the great Egyptian hermits. He was born in the third century to a wealthy family. When his parents died, he inherited their wealth. Listening to the Gospel in church one day, he took heed to the words of Christ, and rid himself of all earthly possessions and became a hermit, living in a tomb outside his town. He practiced strict asceticism, and was tempted often by demons. At times these demons would attack him physically in the form of various beasts. He was sought after by many who wished to live by the example he set. He helped to establish colonies of ascetics, but still felt the need to retreat from this world and be alone. He reposed around the middle of the fourth century. According to tradition, he was 105 at the time of his death. He set the pattern for all who followed: retreat from society to learn the spiritual life, then accept disciples to pass on their experience.The 10" x 12" Icon in the middle is that of the Temptation of St. Anthony. It is in the private collection of Joel Gazal.
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