Life
- Life of Anthony by Saint Athanasius
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_the_Great
- https://orthodoxwiki.org/Anthony_the_Great
- https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2015/01/17/100216-venerable-and-god-bearing-father-anthony-the-great
- St Anthony: The First Desert Father (video 18 min)
- Anthony in the Tombs (Chronicles of the Desert, Ep. 1) (9 min)
- Wisdom of The Desert Fathers // Episode 1: Saint Anthony The Great (9 min)
Teachings*
- Renunciation of Worldly Goods: Saint Anthony is best known for his decision to renounce his wealth and live a life of poverty and simplicity. He taught that detachment from material possessions leads to spiritual freedom and a closer relationship with God.
- Solitude and Prayer: Anthony emphasized the importance of solitude for deepening one’s relationship with God. He spent many years living as a hermit in the desert, engaging in continuous prayer and contemplation, and taught that such practices help to cultivate inner peace and spiritual insight.
- Spiritual Warfare: Anthony spoke extensively about the struggles against temptations and demonic forces. He taught that Christians are in a constant battle with spiritual forces and that vigilance, prayer, and the power of the Cross are essential for victory.
- Humility and Self-Knowledge: Humility was a cornerstone of Anthony’s teachings. He believed that true knowledge of oneself leads to humility, and that humility is critical for spiritual growth. He taught that pride and self-deception are significant barriers to knowing God.
- Compassion and Charity: Despite his life of solitude, Anthony was deeply committed to serving others. He taught that caring for the poor and the sick is a fundamental Christian duty and that acts of charity are a natural expression of love for God.
Writings*
- Note: While the quotes commonly attributed to Anthony are reflective of his teachings and philosophy, they are derived from the traditions and writings of those who were influenced by him or who wrote about him, rather than from any direct writings of Anthony himself.
Troparion — Tone 4
By emulating the ways of Elias the zealot, / and following the straight paths of the Baptist, / O Father Anthony, you made the desert a city, / and upheld the world by your prayers. / Therefore, entreat Christ God that our souls be saved.
Kontakion — Tone 2
You rejected the tumults of this life and lived a life of stillness, / emulating the Baptist in every way, most righteous one. / Therefore, we honor you with him, Father Anthony, / the foundation of the Fathers.
Feast Day(s)
January 17
* GPT-4 assistance used for summarization of top five teachings and writings.
Orthodoxy of the Heart 