Saint Anthony

In this lecture, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains how Saint Anthony the Great, a young Coptic Egyptian, embodied complete obedience to Christ when he heard His words: “If you want to be perfect, go, sell all you have, and give to the poor.”
While the rich young man went away sorrowful, Saint Anthony immediately obeyed, sold all his possessions, and devoted his life to God, becoming the father of all monks in the world.

His Holiness recounts that when he gave a lecture at the University of Bonn in Germany about the Coptic Church, he affirmed that monasticism began in Egypt, and that every monk, bishop, or patriarch anywhere in the world is a child of Saint Anthony—the Father of all monks.
Saint Anthony was not only the founder of monasticism but also a model of a young man filled with divine love and a heart ready to receive and live the Word.

The Pope also mentioned Saint Paul the First Hermit, the first of the wandering ascetics, who lived a completely hidden life of obedience and holiness. Were it not for Saint Anthony who wrote his story, the world would never have known him.
Through these two saints, it becomes clear that youth who surrender their lives to Christ can become lights to generations and fathers of a heavenly life on earth.

Spiritual Message:
Obedience to the divine word and renouncing the love of the world are the way to spiritual perfection and holiness.

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