Life of St. Anthony of Egypt

By: St. Athanasius of Alexandria

Narrated by: Jim Ellis

Length: 2 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

Saint Anthony of Egypt was a pioneer of the monastic tradition, who inspired the establishment of Christian monastic orders in Europe and beyond. An important event in St. Anthony's life was his encounter with demonic forces in the desert. This occurrence has been covered extensively in art and literature.

Public Domain (P)2018 Museum Audiobooks

How the life of the saints show the power of Christ which influences the feeble Christian minds today for growth!

Exactly what I’ve been looking for! What a lack of influence in the Chirch today to grow stronger in our walks and using our bodies as a living sacrifice. I say that because St Anthony encourages me and doesn’t cast doubt nor ridicule nor question the drive inside of wanting to consecrate my body or life to God.

This book also helped me understand the importance of the life and legacies the Saints leave behind for us acknowledging the fact that living a pious life and denying one’s self is possible with the help of our Lord, Jesus Christ. For in a world that is overrun with a secularized hedonistic culture, the depth of which St Anthony explains how important his walk was to him bring encouraging words of wisdom.

Now to live up to his standards of monastic livings is by far extreme, yet I need to hear these things so that I may start somewhere knowing that all things are possible through Christ!

old tyme heros

What a time in human history when people craved the Grace, Glory and Love of God.

In detail and concise

Interesting and in detail narration of the life of St Anthony. I have always wanted to read about the desert fathers. I enjoy it and I would look for more books on the desert fathers. Many details of Anthony’s teachings, it makes you wish you could try the desert peaceful experience of ‘life in the desert.’

An Amazing Story Of A More Amazing Man

Jim Ellis made St. Anthony’s life come alive in the 21st century, I love stories of the Holy Fathers and this is one of the best, St Athanasius gave wonderful tribute to his ally in Christian Orthodoxy.

A Pertinent Listen for All Orthodox Christians

This one is a great addition to my library and totally enjoyable to hesr about the life of such a great man.

Profound Orthodox Saint

I liked the fact that ST Anthony demonstrates like other Saints that Demons take on physical form. UFO Demons. His courage ,and Faith make me feel small. I love all the Orthodox Saints. They keep me going in my darkest hour. I don't have the words to describe this Blessed Book.

Into the Desert.

Simple rendering of the truth and power of Jesus Christ our Lord in the visible life of St Antony.

There is a reason this is still a classic

St Anthony's life is exemplary even in our modern world if not especially for us. There was nothing in his life extraneous to his purpose of serving Christ. His mind, heart, body, home, friendships and habits were very simple, in keeping with that singularity of purpose. Oh that I could pare my possessions, loves and habits down to such purity. He demonstrates as well that a saint's life is not one of perfect tranquility but of frequent struggle against evil.

St. Anthony the Great, Pray for us!

An inspiration to all that desire the Kingdom of Heaven. I always learn something new from this Saint's life and example. Praise God for giving us such a humble example to follow.

Confronting the Demonic

"Life of St. Anthony of Egypt" by St. Athanasius of Alexandria is a profound narrative that chronicles the life of St. Anthony, one of the earliest monks known for his ascetic life and spiritual warfare against demonic forces. The book provides a detailed account of Anthony's life, from his decision to follow a path of asceticism to his intense battles with demons and his profound influence on Christian monasticism. Athanasius portrays Anthony's life as a testament to the triumph of faith over evil, exemplifying how one can confront and overcome demonic forces through spiritual strength and devotion to Christ.

The book is inspiring, particularly in its depiction of St. Anthony's relentless battles with demons. These encounters are not just physical, but also symbolic representations of the spiritual struggles against the enemies of Christ and humanity. St. Anthony's response to demonic assaults, such as his declaration, "Here am I, Antony; I flee not from your stripes, for even if you inflict more nothing shall separate me from the love of Christ," showcases his unwavering faith and resilience. His perception of the demons as weak and their attacks as mere displays of powerlessness underlines a key Catholic teaching: the ultimate impotence of evil in the face of true faith.

St. Anthony's philosophies and teachings are deeply insightful. His assertion that the soul's integrity is maintained when bodily pleasures are diminished reflects a profound understanding of the Christian ascetic tradition. His life in the tombs, a period marked by intense spiritual warfare, highlights the Catholic belief in enduring trials and tribulations as a path to spiritual strength and closeness with God. The moment when divine intervention relieves Anthony from his suffering, with a voice reassuring him of God’s ever-present support, is particularly moving. It emphasizes the Christian conviction that God's help is always near, especially in moments of great trial.

Furthermore, St. Anthony’s exhortations to his fellow monks and Christians are filled with timeless wisdom. His perspective on worldly possessions emphasizes the fleeting nature of earthly gains compared to the eternal rewards of heaven. He encourages the acquisition of virtues like prudence, justice, temperance, courage, and love, which hold eternal significance. His teachings on the nature of demons, portraying them as powerless beings resorting to theatrics, provide a powerful framework for understanding and overcoming spiritual intimidation and fear.

The book also delves into St. Anthony’s discernment between good and evil spirits, a crucial aspect of Christian spiritual life. His ability to distinguish between the peaceful, joy-inducing presence of holy visions and the fear and confusion sown by demonic apparitions is a valuable lesson in spiritual discernment. This discernment extends to his dealings with various people, from Arians to Greek philosophers, where he demonstrates profound wisdom and understanding, often confounding those who underestimated him due to his lack of formal education.

"Life of St. Anthony of Egypt" is not only a biography of a saint, but a manual on spiritual warfare and Christian living. St. Anthony's life, as presented by Athanasius, offers invaluable lessons on confronting and overcoming demonic influences, the importance of asceticism, and the pursuit of a virtuous life. His teachings remain relevant, providing guidance and inspiration for Catholics seeking to deepen their faith and understand the spiritual realm.