The life of Saint Anthony has inspired admiration among Orthodox Christians since ancient times.
Anthony the Great was born in 251 AD in Egypt, not far from the city of Beni Suef, into a wealthy Christian family. When the young man turned 18, his parents died, leaving him an inheritance.
Soon Anthony received a divine vision, and obeying this vision, Anthony gave away his estate to the poor, gave part of it to his sister, and withdrew into the desert.
At first Anthony lived in a cave not far from Beni Suef, on the bank of the Nile. The hermit spent 20 years in complete solitude, with supplies brought to him twice a year. But over time people began to learn about Anthony and his gift of healing, and started flocking to his dwelling.
Later, Anthony wanted to be alone again and moved to the other bank of the river, but people found him there too. Anthony preached and healed for the good of the people for many long years. Many of those who came to him wanted to stay and live nearby. Anthony did not object.
And so, by the beginning of the 4th century, the first Christian monastic community had formed. In 312 it moved far into the desert - to the place where the monastery stands today.
The desert is an inhospitable place for human life, but within it there are small islands where water can be found. It was in such a place that Anthony and his followers settled - by a mountain where there was a spring of water. Some built themselves huts, others settled in caves
Anthony chose a cave for himself high up in the mountains
Anthony led an ascetic, righteous and healthy way of life. He lived to a very old age and passed away in his 105th year
Today you can climb up to the saint’s cave, but to do so you must make quite a journey - a climb of 1,250 steps. Inside the rock, a 10-meter tunnel leads to Anthony’s cave, and from the terrace by the cliff there is a magnificent view over the monastery grounds and the mountains
An individual tour to the Monastery of Saint Anthony can be arranged from Cairo or Hurghada
