The most famous disciples of Saint Anba Antonius
From the events of history
The most famous disciples of Saint Anba Antonius
It is difficult to count the disciples of this great saint, for all the fathers of his time were among his disciples. But here we limit ourselves to the most famous of these disciples.
Saint Paul the Simple: He became a monk at the age of sixty, and he was simple and pure of heart. Saint Antonius would entrust to him some of those in need of healing or those afflicted by demons, so that he would pray for them and they would be healed. He had the gift of discernment (visions). He often recognized those who had sins and led them with his tenderness and prayers to repentance. He spent years living beside Saint Anba Antonius on the same mountain, until the saint ordered him to live alone so that he might experience the warfare of the demons.
Saint Macarius the Great: He came to Anba Antonius, who clothed him with the schema and supplied him with his spiritual counsels. He said about him, “A great power goes out from these hands.”
Saint Paphnutius: He is the head of the monasteries of Fayoum. Saint Anba Antonius sent to him the twentieth letter of his epistles.
Saint Hilarion: He is the founder of monasticism in Syria. He was discipled by Saint Antonius, who loved him very much and would say to everyone who came to him from Syria, “Why do you come to me? You have Anba Hilarion.”
Saint Serapion: He is the famous bishop of Thmuis. He was among the theologians of his days. He took charge of the Theological School of Alexandria during the time of Pope Archelaus. Then he became a monk, discipled by Saint Antonius, and then became a father to one of the monastic communities in Upper Egypt. Pope Athanasius the Apostolic ordained him bishop in the year 330 A.D. over Thmuis (currently Tami al-Amdid—Sanbalawain district in Dakahlia). Serapion remained connected to his spiritual father, Saint Anba Antonius, even after his ordination as bishop. (See the book “Saints Named Serapion” by the monk Serapion Anba Bishoy.)
Anba Bessarion: He was a very simple monk, pure of heart, like Saint Paul the Simple. Many stories were recorded about him in the “Garden of the Monks.”
Anba Joseph: He is the great humble father, to whom Saint Anba Antonius said: “Blessed are you, Anba Joseph, for you have known the way to the word: ‘I do not know.’”
Anba Sisoes: His name is sometimes pronounced “Anba Sisooi.” He spent years on the mountain of Anba Antonius. He was humble and did not like to command anyone. He is the one whom they heard struggling at the hour of his departure, asking for a chance to repent…!
For better translation support, please contact the center.
