Antony the Great

Antony was born in middle Egypt, gave away his property about 270 and lived as a hermit, finally in the desert by the Red Sea. He supported Athanasius against the Arians. His letters survive in Coptic, Georgian, Syriac, Arabic and in an ancient Latin version; the Greek original is lost.

Dates

ca. 251-356 (approximate)

See or city

Mount Colzim (near the Red Sea)

Region

Egypt

Also known as

Antony of Egypt; Anthony the Great; Abba Antony

Notes

Egyptian hermit, called the father of monks; Athanasius wrote his Life. Honoured as a saint (17 January) by Catholic, Orthodox and Lutheran calendars.

Works

• LettersEpistolae · before 356 · CPG 2330 (not yet checked)