Saint Anthony








		02. Saint Anthony
		January 17
		
		St. Anthony was born in Upper Egypt of
		Wealthy parents around 251 A.D. When he
		Was about twenty years old, both his parents
		Died, leaving in his charge a younger sister.
		One Sunday, he heard in church the words of 
		the Lord to the wealthy young man: "If thou
		wilt be perfect, go sell all that thou hast and
		give to the poor and come follow me…."
		These words made a tremendous impression on
		St. Anthony and he decided to follow the ad-
		Vice of Jesus Christ. He settled a suitable al-
		lotment for his sister, placing her under the
		Care of pious Christians, distributed his own
		Money to the poor, and retired to the desert.
		
		There he lived as a hermit, a life of strict
		Temperance, self-denial and prayer, and became
		Famous for the spiritual struggles he under -
		Went. His fame attracted a number of admires
		To his hermitage where he finally founded a
		Monastery in 305 A.D. and became the father
		Of organized monasticism.
		
		He went to Alexandrian to encourage the
		Christians during the great persecutions and
		Also to support the Orthodox faith when it
		Was endangered by the Arian heretics. St.
		Basil and St. Athanasios were among his ad-
		mirers and visited him. His fame also reached
		The Emperor Constantine the Great who sent
		Letters to him asking for his blessings. St.
		Anthony died in 356 at the age of 105.





**Because you are my friend**

On the wings of angels you came to stand there with me.
Maybe at first I didn't notice or I just didn't see
the things you had to offer from so deep inside of you.
But you changed my life in many ways just by being you.
You offered up prayers for me when I didn't take time to 
pray, you would just sit and listen to the things I had to say.
You offered to carry my burdens when they got too much 
for me, and I'm sure you did little things that I didn't 
even see.You were always there, or so it seems,
to lend a helping hand.You were always there as support
when it seemed I couldn't stand.And when I felt I was 
all alone I'd feel your spirit there, Letting me know 
you were with me and that you really care.I took the 
strength you offered when you'd hug me close to you,
And even for days after I'd feel it, in everything I 
would do. Or, maybe something that you said would bring 
a new insight to me, Or help me face a new challenge
that was put in front of me. You challenged me to use 
my gifts the best way that I can, And you'd see my 
weaknesses as just a part of who I am. And when I needed 
to know that there was someone who really cared, All I 
had to do was look and I'd see you standing there.
And everything you offered I pray I gave back to you,
And you feel my strength and presence in all that you do.
For what came to me on angels wings has turned out to be,
Such an important part of my life and means so much to me.
So whether we are close together or life pushes us apart,
I'll always feel the love for me that you have in your heart.
And there is one thing that I know
that I can carry to the end,
That my life is so much better because you are my friend.

May the Spirit of Love be with you!



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