What do you think?
Rate this book
The Life of Saint Antony
"The Life of Saint Antony" by Athanasius of Alexandria is a seminal biography chronicling the life and spiritual journey of Saint Antony of Egypt, widely regarded as the father of Christian monasticism. Written by Athanasius, a prominent theologian and bishop of the early Church, this work vividly portrays Antony's ascetic lifestyle, his encounters with spiritual challenges, and his profound influence on Christian spirituality. Through detailed narrative and theological reflection, Athanasius offers readers a compelling glimpse into Antony's dedication to God and his impact on the development of monasticism in the Christian tradition. This biography remains a foundational text for understanding the origins of Christian monasticism and the pursuit of holiness in early Christianity.
99 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 5, 2024
7 people are currently reading
5 people want to read
About the author
Athanasius of Alexandria
354 books330 followersborn perhaps 293
Greek patriarch Saint Athanasius, known as "the Great," of Alexandria led defenders of Christian orthodoxy against Arianism.
An Athanasian follows him, especially in opposition to Arianism.
Christians attributed Athanasian Creed, which dates probably from the fifth century, but people now consider its unknown origin.
People also refer to Athanasius (Arabic: البابا أثناسيوس الرسولي, as the Confessor and the Apostolic, primarily in the Coptic Church; he served as the twentieth bishop. From 8 June 328, his episcopate lasted, but four different Roman emperors ordered him to spend five exiles for 17 years. People consider this renowned theologian, a Father of the Church, the chief of Trinitarianism, and a noted Egyptian of the fourth century.
People remember his role in the conflict. In 325, Athanasius at the age of 27 years played a role in the first council of Nicaea. At the time, he served as a deacon and personal secretary of Alexander, the nineteenth bishop. Constantine I convoked Nicaea in May–August 325 to address the position of Jesus of Nazareth of a distinct substance from the Father.
Three years after Nicæa and upon the repose of Alexander, bishop, he served in June 328 at the age of 30 years as archbishop. He continued to the conflict for the rest of his life, and theological and political struggles engaged him against Constantine and Constantius II, the emperors, and against Eusebius of Nicomedia and other powerful and influential churchmen. He stood as "Athanasius contra Mundum," against the world. Within a few years of his departure, Saint Gregory of Nazianzus called him the "pillar of the Church." All fathers of the Church followed and well regarded his writings in the west and the east. His writings show a rich devotion to the Word, the Son of Man, great pastoral concern, and profound interest in monasticism.
The Roman Catholic Church counts Athanasius and three other doctors, and east labels him the "father." Many Protestants also celebrate him and label him "father of the canon." People venerate Athanasius on feast day, 2 May in west, 15 May in Coptic, and 18 January in the other eastern churches. The Roman Catholic Church, Orient, east, Lutherans, and Anglican communion venerate him.
Greek patriarch Saint Athanasius, known as "the Great," of Alexandria led defenders of Christian orthodoxy against Arianism.
An Athanasian follows him, especially in opposition to Arianism.
Christians attributed Athanasian Creed, which dates probably from the fifth century, but people now consider its unknown origin.
People also refer to Athanasius (Arabic: البابا أثناسيوس الرسولي, as the Confessor and the Apostolic, primarily in the Coptic Church; he served as the twentieth bishop. From 8 June 328, his episcopate lasted, but four different Roman emperors ordered him to spend five exiles for 17 years. People consider this renowned theologian, a Father of the Church, the chief of Trinitarianism, and a noted Egyptian of the fourth century.
People remember his role in the conflict. In 325, Athanasius at the age of 27 years played a role in the first council of Nicaea. At the time, he served as a deacon and personal secretary of Alexander, the nineteenth bishop. Constantine I convoked Nicaea in May–August 325 to address the position of Jesus of Nazareth of a distinct substance from the Father.
Three years after Nicæa and upon the repose of Alexander, bishop, he served in June 328 at the age of 30 years as archbishop. He continued to the conflict for the rest of his life, and theological and political struggles engaged him against Constantine and Constantius II, the emperors, and against Eusebius of Nicomedia and other powerful and influential churchmen. He stood as "Athanasius contra Mundum," against the world. Within a few years of his departure, Saint Gregory of Nazianzus called him the "pillar of the Church." All fathers of the Church followed and well regarded his writings in the west and the east. His writings show a rich devotion to the Word, the Son of Man, great pastoral concern, and profound interest in monasticism.
The Roman Catholic Church counts Athanasius and three other doctors, and east labels him the "father." Many Protestants also celebrate him and label him "father of the canon." People venerate Athanasius on feast day, 2 May in west, 15 May in Coptic, and 18 January in the other eastern churches. The Roman Catholic Church, Orient, east, Lutherans, and Anglican communion venerate him.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
October 1, 2025
This could be a theological narrative of one of the founding Christian fathers, who dedicated a life as a simple Egyptian monk, discerning the concepts of good and evil, comprehending their origins, and devising practical strategies for managing them in daily life. The book will challenge the reader to consider their own beliefs as they acquire knowledge of the life of a monk; and may believe that our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ honors those who honor Him.
Anthanasius had a tolerant disposition and a humble spirit, which produced an extraordinary prayer life. Even his warning concern about Balacius’s growing wrath and persecution of Christians, had an interesting turn in the book. He consistently attributed all credit to God.
Undeterred by challenges, his soul remained at peace as he maintained a joyful outlook resulting in a prosperous, virtuous 105 year life.
Anthanasius had a tolerant disposition and a humble spirit, which produced an extraordinary prayer life. Even his warning concern about Balacius’s growing wrath and persecution of Christians, had an interesting turn in the book. He consistently attributed all credit to God.
Undeterred by challenges, his soul remained at peace as he maintained a joyful outlook resulting in a prosperous, virtuous 105 year life.
January 30, 2026
Amazing.
September 15, 2025
I finally took a deep spiritual and hopefully self-mastery plunge into the traditional, hardcore ascetic lore of the Desert Fathers. I began the year by reading the most easily digestible and beautifully phrased one by a Czech priest, Fr. Štěpán Smolen, 'Be where you are'. I also started to listen to the 'Desert Fathers in a Year' podcast by Exodus90 and took up the penitential challenge for the second year in a row. And reading the edifying biography of the father of such monasticism was naturally a part. I have to admit that I greatly benefited from these writings – mostly spiritually and in what this world would call 'self-improvement', which is really Catholic self-mastery.
It's definitely not an easy read, but if read with a correct and willing optics, a lens of change, inner conversion, the following of the saints, it can inspire pretty holy life adjustments. Now I just put myself into the succour of the Blessed Lady to help me sustain on my journey to absorb and live out the most based 'lifestyle' out there! And even for a celibate layman in a worldly profession, it's possible to at least keep up to the spirit of the doing of this great saint.
It's definitely not an easy read, but if read with a correct and willing optics, a lens of change, inner conversion, the following of the saints, it can inspire pretty holy life adjustments. Now I just put myself into the succour of the Blessed Lady to help me sustain on my journey to absorb and live out the most based 'lifestyle' out there! And even for a celibate layman in a worldly profession, it's possible to at least keep up to the spirit of the doing of this great saint.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews