09 - Paradise, or Garden of the Holy Fathers (Book 1) by Palladius

Step into the world of the Desert Fathers, the pioneering Christian hermits, ascetics, and monks who sought solitude and divine connection in the Scetes desert of Egypt. Among them, St. Anthony the Great stands out as the father of desert monasticism, retreating to the wilderness in 270 AD and inspiring countless others with his commitment to a life of prayer, scripture meditation, and hard work. By the time of his passing in AD 356, his legacy had attracted thousands to embrace the austere lifestyle of the desert, where they prayed the psalms, rarely ate, and labored with their hands crafting baskets and mats. This collection brings to life the inspiring stories of these early monks and nuns, showcasing their devotion and spiritual journeys. - Summary by ancientchristian