Continuing what we learned in the last couple of articles, this month we will talk about the desert fathers and monasticism! The desert fathers are those who chose God over everything else in life. They followed our Lord Jesus Christ’s command when He said: “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” (Matthew 19:21) Who started monasticism? St. Anthony the Great established the life of monasticism after hearing this same verse, in the 3rd century by being the first monk in the history! For the monks, monasticism was the life of prayer, contemplation, solitude, worship and purity of heart. They had nothing in their minds, hearts and feelings except God alone. They lived the calm and quiet life, abiding in the Lord, detaching themselves from everything and everyone, to be attached to God alone. Every monk (or nun) must take 3 vows;
The Growth of Monasticism:
St Mary of Egypt was a hermit who did this, and is also considered a ‘Pilgrim’, meaning she was a hermit who had no specific cell but lived wandering in the wilderness.
Saint Macarius the Great, (300-390 AD) founded the communal order in the Desert of Scetis, and visited Saint Anthony at least twice.
And many more saints like: Anba Pishoy, St Maximus and St. Dometius, and St. Moses the Strong. May their prayers and intercessions be with us all. Amen.
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