Starting Wednesday we will be doing a study on the life of Saint Anthony the Great based on The Life of St. Anthony written by St. Athanasius.  Saint Anthony lived in the third century and is called the father of monasticism.   Saint Anthony after hearing Mathew 19:2 read in church felt especially moved to follow prompting of Christ  " If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me." So he sold his entire the family estate and went to live in the desert.   The text of the Life of St. Anthony is available online here.

Apolytikion of Saint Anthony

O Father Anthony, you imitated the zealous Elijah.

You followed the straight paths of the Baptist and became a desert dweller.By prayer you confirmed the universe.Wherefore, intercede with Christ our God to save our souls.