Venerable and God-bearing Father Anthony the Great

(Commemorated on January 17)

Anthony was an Egyptian and was born in about the year 250 A.D. in the village of Koman near Heraclea. Following the death of his noble and wealthy parents, he divided the inherited estate with his sister, who was a minor, and made sure that she was cared for by some relatives. Anthony distributed his half of the estate to the poor, and in his twentieth year he dedicated himself to the ascetic life for which he had yearned from his childhood. In the beginning, Anthony lived a life of asceticism in the proximity of his village, but in order to flee the disturbances of people he withdrew into the wilderness on the shore of the Red Sea.

He is known as the Father of Monasticism, yet St. Anthony did not found a single monastery.  In the wilderness, he spent twenty years as a recluse, not associating with anyone except God.   He prayed constantly, and he was able to endure unspeakable temptations from the devil.  His fame spread throughout the entire world, and many disciples gathered around him, and the first monastic community developed organically. 

During the eighty-five years of his ascetic life, only twice did he go to Alexandria: the first time to seek martyrdom during a time of persecution of the Church, and the second time at the invitation of St. Athanasius the Great, in order to refute the accusation of the Arians that he too was an adherent of the Arian heresy.

Anthony reposed in the 105th year of his life, leaving behind an entire army of disciples and emulators. Even though Anthony was not a scholar, he was nevertheless a counselor and teacher of the most learned men of his time, as was St. Athanasius. When certain Greek philosophers tempted him with literary wisdom, Anthony shamed them with the question: "Which is older, the understanding or the book? Which of these two was the cause of the other?" Ashamed, the philosophers dispersed, for they perceived that they only had literary knowledge without understanding, whereas Anthony had understanding. Here is a man who attained perfection insofar as man, in general, can attain on earth. Here is an instructor to instructors and a teacher of teachers, who for a full eighty-five years perfected himself; and it was only in that way that he was able to perfect many others. Filled with many years of life and great works, Anthony reposed in the Lord in the year 356 A.D.

Akathist to the Venerable and God-bearing Father Anthony the Great

Kontakion 1 
Chosen wonderworker and most marvelous servant of Christ, venerable Father Anthony! Lovingly praising your God-pleasing life, we offer God a song of thanksgiving for you. And as you have great boldness toward the Lord, free from all dangers us who joyfully call on you:  Rejoice, venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life! 

Ikos 1 
Having loved the angelic life from your youth, you desired to walk in God’s commandments, venerable Father, and, with your heart flaming toward to the Lord of Hosts, you raised your mind onto the divine, counting all temporary and earthly as loss. Therefore, marveling at God’s providence for you, with faith we call upon you: 

            Rejoice, worthy son of devout parents.
            Rejoice, for you were raised in piety.
            Rejoice, for you followed Christ from youth.
            Rejoice, for you reckoned earthly vanity as nothing.
            Rejoice, fervent worker of Christ's vineyard.
            Rejoice, great teacher of the desert dwellers.
            Rejoice, for you desired salvation for all.
            Rejoice, for you showed the true monastic path.
            Rejoice, luminous lamp ignited with divine fire.
            Rejoice, unshakable rock of faith in Christ.
            Rejoice, radiant with the grace of the Holy Spirit.
            Rejoice, graced with the gift of wonderworking. 
            Rejoice, venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life! 

Kontakion 2 
Seeing that the enemy of mankind wished to destroy you for ascending to spiritual heights, O God-bearing Father, but was shamed by your struggle and humility in constant fasting and prayer, you crushed the head of the invisible serpent, singing to God with compunction:  Alleluia. 

 Ikos 2 
Knowing with your heart and mind all worldly goods to be swiftly passing and fleeting, you shut yourself in a dark cave, mortifying your passions and working only unto the Lord. Wherefore, praising your angelical living, we exclaim to you:  Rejoice, for you placed your hope in God.
            Rejoice, for you shamed the folly of the enemy.
            Rejoice, fearless destroyer of the devil's schemes.
            Rejoice, for you resemble an angel in your purity and holiness.
            Rejoice, for you sanctified the wilderness by your struggles.
            Rejoice, for you guided many to the Heavenly Kingdom.
            Rejoice, for you overthrew despicable pride.
            Rejoice, for you taught the lowliness of mind.
            Rejoice, light that enlightens all with the divine wisdom.
            Rejoice, radiant star illuminating all with the brightness of your struggles.
            Rejoice, for you lived to the glory of God.
            Rejoice, good and long-suffering shepherd.
            Rejoice, venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life! 

Kontakion 3 
Strengthened by the divine power, most blessed Anthony, you remained in fasting, prayer, unceasing labors, and vigils, overcoming all temptations of the enemy and singing to God, Who covered you with grace:  Alleluia. 

Ikos 3 
Having a pure mind and a spotless soul, blessed Father, you comprehended the vanity and inconstancy of this world, and, desiring the eternal blessings, you renounced the temporary goods. Wherefore, honoring you, we sing:

            Rejoice, lover of blessed humility.
            Rejoice, searcher of spiritual wisdom.
            Rejoice, for you ascended the heights of dispassion.
            Rejoice, for you offered yourself wholly to God.
            Rejoice, for you resembled your Lord in your guilelessness.
            Rejoice, for you were wealthy in poverty.
            Rejoice, grace-filled adornment of the desert.
            Rejoice, all-radiant lamp of the world.
            Rejoice, banisher of terrifying demons.
            Rejoice, destroyer of their delusions.
            Rejoice, for you are wiser than the wise of this world.
            Rejoice, zealous ascetic.
            Rejoice, venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life! 

Kontakion 4 
Stilling the storm of evil temptations, you settled in the wilderness, most blessed Anthony, traversed the sorrowful path of the monastic life, trampling all the snares of the enemy and casting off his deception, and sang to Christ, Who strengthened you:  Alleluia. 

Ikos 4 
Hearing of your God-pleasing life, venerable one, seekers of God’s truth came to you from throughout and you received them with love and guided them to salvation. With compunction of soul we praise and cry out to you:

            Rejoice, rule and foundation of desert dwellers.

            Rejoice, good teacher of Christ’s flock.
            Rejoice, adornment of Christ’s Church.
            Rejoice, glory of the monastics.
            Rejoice, for you offered yourself as a sacrifice to the Lord.
            Rejoice, for you mortified your sinful passions.
            Rejoice, joy of the angels.
            Rejoice, full vanquisher of the demons.
            Rejoice, dweller of the wilderness.
            Rejoice, zealous struggler of stillness.
            Rejoice, for you show the right path.
            Rejoice, announcer of the Kingdom of Heaven. 
            Rejoice, venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life! 

Kontakion 5 
Like a divinely-moving star you appeared to the monastic world, venerable Father Anthony, you were an image of faithfulness in word, life, love, faith, and purity, singing to the Lord:  Alleluia.

Ikos 5 
Seeing your pure and holy living, Father Anthony, the enemy of the human race frequently attacked you, but, defeating him with your humility, you did not depart from the way of salvation. Wherefore, we cry out to you:

            Rejoice, partaker of the eternal life.
            Rejoice, great teacher of salvation.
            Rejoice, for you served God alone with your life.
            Rejoice, for you took up the yoke of Christ.
            Rejoice, for you exposed the wiles of the demons.
            Rejoice, for you directed to the way of salvation.
            Rejoice, keeper of purity.
            Rejoice, beholder of the Light of the Trinity.
            Rejoice, rise of the fallen.
            Rejoice, banishment of the demonic power. 
            Rejoice, solid pillar of faith.
            Rejoice, perfected teacher. 
            Rejoice, venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life! 

Kontakion 6 
Having heard the Gospel preaching: “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,” Father Anthony, you renounced the worldly treasures, and, undertaking a life of fasting and struggles in the wilderness, you acquired the treasures of heaven. Give us wisdom, good-hearted Father, to not incline our hearts to the quickly-perishing things of this earth, but to ponder the things above, exclaiming to the Lord of Hosts: Alleluia.

Ikos 6 
You shone forth as a divinely radiant light in the Egyptian wilderness, Father Anthony, illuminating with the rays of your virtues and miracles. Remembering your struggles, we bless you and say to you: 

            Rejoice, for venerable saints are crowned by you.
            Rejoice, for men are saved through you.
            Rejoice, grace-filled visitation of the sick.
            Rejoice, helper of strangers.
            Rejoice, destroyer of enmity.
            Rejoice, annihilator of the enemy.
            Rejoice, peace and steadfastness of the faithful.
            Rejoice, swift deliverance from dangers.
            Rejoice, extinguisher of guile and craftiness.
            Rejoice, consolation of the despairing.
            Rejoice, defender of the Orthodox.
            Rejoice, helper of Christians. 
            Rejoice, venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life! 

Kontakion 7 
Desiring to undertake a worthy struggle, you accounted all temporary as nothing and dwelled in poverty and humility in the wilderness, conversing with the One God and singing ceaselessly to Him:  Alleluia.

Ikos 7 
The Lord revealed a truly new guide for monastics in you, Father Anthony: many who learned of your God-pleasing and righteous life and the heights of your spiritual wisdom, heeded your words as the words of a great servant of God. To you we sing: 

            Rejoice, for you resemble Abraham in faith.
            Rejoice, for you resemble David in meekness.
            Rejoice, for you acquired the zeal of Elijah.
            Rejoice, for you followed the way of the Forerunner.
            Rejoice, for you poured forth water in the desert by your prayers.
            Rejoice, for you raised paralytics from the sick beds.
            Rejoice, for you gave sight to the blind.
            Rejoice, for you healed many diseases.
            Rejoice, most marvelous and divinely wise guide of monks.
            Rejoice, fervent servant of Christ.
            Rejoice, most gentle consolation of the sorrowful.
            Rejoice, most beloved boast of monks. 
            Rejoice, venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life! 

Kontakion 8 
Having seen the strange and supernatural life of Saint Paul, blessed Anthony, you marveled at the height of his struggles and virtues. Seeing his soul ascending to the heavens and surrounded by angels, you cried out to God, Who is wondrous in His saints:  Alleluia.

Ikos 8 
You rejoiced with great joy, Father Anthony, beholding with your clairvoyant eyes the ascent of the soul of Saint Ammonius. Wherefore, we beseech you with much wonder: 

            Rejoice, for you ever raised your eyes to the heavens.
            Rejoice, for you loved heavenly glory above all.
            Rejoice, for you sanctified your heart with ceaseless prayer.
            Rejoice, for you established your mind in God.
            Rejoice, for you foresaw the future as present.
            Rejoice, for you acquired lofty gifts through humility.
            Rejoice, for you free those held captive by evil spirits.
            Rejoice, for you grant spiritual and bodily health.
            Rejoice, intercessor in hardships and calamities.
            Rejoice, defender in tribulations and afflictions.
            Rejoice, for you do not forsake us here on earth.
            Rejoice, for you offer your prayers for us sinners. 
            Rejoice, venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life! 

Kontakion 9 
All angelic beings marveled at the height of your exploits, for you became like an angel in every way while still in the weakness of the flesh and, strengthened by the power of the Almighty, you became abundant in virtues. Therefore, you joined the ranks of angels, singing to the Almighty God:  Alleluia.

Ikos 9 
Human eloquence is not sufficient to praise your life, Father Anthony: for who can recount all your fastings, vigils, illnesses and labors? Who can count your tears and sighings for God? But moved with our love for you, we dare to sing this to you:

            Rejoice, great dweller of the wilderness.
            Rejoice, teacher of perfection.
            Rejoice, servant of the true God.
            Rejoice, for you banished demons out of the desert.
            Rejoice, thunder that strikes the devil.
            Rejoice, for you revealed his wiles.
            Rejoice, vessel of God’s grace.
            Rejoice, abode of the Holy Spirit.
            Rejoice, adornment of fasters.
            Rejoice, praise of saints.
            Rejoice, establishment of monks.
            Rejoice, glory of the Fathers. 
            Rejoice, venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life! 

Kontakion 10 
You were a faithful guide to those who desired to be saved and now lead us to salvation through your saintly intercessions, so that with your help we may reach the Kingdom of Heaven, where the never-silent Angels sing: Alleluia.

Ikos 10
You were a strong and unassailable rampart to your followers, protecting them from demons’ arrows, remain a wall and protection from the Devil’s snares to those who call on you: 

            Rejoice, earthly angel.
            Rejoice, heavenly man.
            Rejoice, pure and honorable abode of holiness.
            Rejoice, receptacle of great virtues.
            Rejoice, ardent lover of piety.
            Rejoice, denouncer of heresies.
            Rejoice, fulfillment of Christ’s love.
            Rejoice, instruction of monks.
            Rejoice, firm haven of the faithful.
            Rejoice, mighty uplifting of the fallen.
            Rejoice, strength of the infirm and the paralyzed.
            Rejoice, consolation of the despairing and hopeless.

            Rejoice, venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life! 

Kontakion 11 
Accept our tender singing, which we lift up to you with love and diligent praise, Father Anthony, mercifully incline your ear to us and vouchsafe to guide us to true repentance through your prayers, so we may sing to God: Alleluia. 

Ikos 11
You were revealed on earth as a light-receiving lamp of the true Light, Saint Anthony, enlightening the hearts of the faithful by your struggles and miracles and instructing in the way of virtuous and God-pleasing living. Wherefore, you hear from all: 

            Rejoice, all-wise instructor.
            Rejoice, trustworthy leader.
            Rejoice, for you gave yourself wholly to God’s will.
            Rejoice, for you loved the Lord Jesus above all.
            Rejoice, for you shone forth patiently enduring various sorrows.
            Rejoice, for you acquired eternal wealth through voluntary poverty.
            Rejoice, for you spent your life in patience and hardship.
            Rejoice, for you bravely endured bitterness of the desert.
            Rejoice, for you inspire the slothful to ascetic struggle.
            Rejoice, surety for the sinners’ correction.
            Rejoice, converser with angels and saints.
            Rejoice, zealous intercessor for the whole world. 
            Rejoice, venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life! 

Kontakion 12 
Knowing the grace given to you by God, we reverently kiss your image adorned with holiness, servant of God, and pray to you: do not forsake us in your intercessions to Christ God, to Who we gratefully sing:  Alleluia.

Ikos 12
Singing of your living, we also praise your peaceful end, venerable Father Anthony, and beseech you: be a quick helper in all good to us who call upon you:

            Rejoice, for you stand before the Consubstantial Trinity.
            Rejoice, joy of angels.
            Rejoice, converser with saints.
            Rejoice, true pleaser of God.
            Rejoice, chosen servant of the Lord.
            Rejoice, fervent intercessor for all who call upon your name.
            Rejoice, teacher and hope of all who honor you.
            Rejoice, for you were imbued with the grace of God.
            Rejoice, for you were filled at the Divine spring.
            Rejoice, for you were bedewed with saving tears.
            Rejoice, for you were clothed in garments of incorruption.
            Rejoice, venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life! 

Kontakion 13 
O venerable Father Anthony, eternally alive in the never-ending day of Christ’s Kingdom, beseech the Master of all to deliver us from calamities, misfortunes, and eternal torments, so we may sing to Him in His Kingdom unto ages of ages:  Alleluia.

(This Kontakion is read thrice, then again Ikos 1 and Kontakion 1.) 

Ikos 1 
Having loved the angelic life from your youth, you desired to walk in God’s commandments, venerable Father, and, with your heart flaming toward to the Lord of Hosts, you raised your mind onto the divine, counting all temporary and earthly as loss. Therefore, marveling at God’s providence for you, with faith we call upon you: 

            Rejoice, worthy son of devout parents.
            Rejoice, for you were raised in piety.
            Rejoice, for you followed Christ from youth.
            Rejoice, for you reckoned earthly vanity as nothing.
            Rejoice, fervent worker of Christ's vineyard.
            Rejoice, great teacher of the desert dwellers.
            Rejoice, for you desired salvation for all.
            Rejoice, for you showed the true monastic path.
            Rejoice, luminous lamp ignited with divine fire.
            Rejoice, unshakable rock of faith in Christ.
            Rejoice, radiant with the grace of the Holy Spirit.
            Rejoice, graced with the gift of wonderworking. 
            Rejoice, venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life! 

Kontakion 1 
Chosen wonderworker and most marvelous servant of Christ, venerable Father Anthony! Lovingly praising your God-pleasing life, we offer God a song of thanksgiving for you. And as you have great boldness toward the Lord, free from all dangers us who joyfully call on you:  Rejoice, venerable Father Anthony, founder of the desert life! 

Prayer 
O our venerable and God-bearing Father Anthony! We believe that you have great boldness in prayer standing before the throne of the Holy Trinity, and the All-Merciful Lord always hears you, His faithful servant. Wherefore, we humbly fall down before you with compunction, Saint of God: never cease to intercede for us to the Lord, Who is worshipped and glorified in the Trinity, that He may look mercifully on us and not let us perish in our sins, but would raise the fallen and give correction to the evil and wretched lives, averting our future transgressions, and forgive all faults committed in word or thought from our birth to the present hour. O ascetic of virtue, seeing the infirmity and sorrow of the present times, do not cease to entreat Christ God to not withdraw from us His loving-kindness, but to preserve us from worldly temptations, devil’s snares, and fleshly desires, so that we may receive all necessary for this temporary life, deliverance from affliction and tribulation, and unyielding patience to the end. Implore that we may lead the rest of our lives in peace and repentance and to pass from earth to heaven escaping tribulations, demons of the air, and eternal torments, and be worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom with you and all the saints that pleased our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ, to Whom is due all glory, honor, and worship, together with His Father without beginning and His All-Holy, Good and Life-Creating Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. 

Holy God-bearing Father Anthony, pray to God for us!