The Story Behind This Icon: Saint Anthony was born in Egypt in the year 251 AD, to parents who were pious Christians. Anthony was a serious child, respectful of and obedient to his parents, attending services and memorizing scripture. Anthony's parents suddenly passed when he was 20, leaving him responsible for caring for his younger sister. One day in Church, he heard the Gospel passage when Christ tells the rich young man "If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come follow Me" (Mt. 19:21). Feeling these words were spoken directly to him, Anthony sold all the property he inherited, distributed the proceeds to the poor, and left his sister in the care of pious virgins in a nearby convent. Therefore, at the young age of 20, Anthony departed into the desert for what would become a lifetime ascetic struggle. Tempted endlessly by the devil and his demons, Saint Anthony drove away his tempters by the power of the Life-Giving Cross of Christ and through fervent prayer. His way of life was strict, with minimal sleep and even less food, oriented around unceasing prayer and solitude. At the age of 35, Saint Anthony went further into the Egyptian desert, spending even more years in isolation, receiving food from his friends occasionally. However, soon Anthony's "cell" (an abandoned fort) became surrounded by several monasteries full of ascetics seeking to learn from him. He gave them spiritual instruction, increasing the zeal of the monks and inspiring them with a love for the ascetical life. Saint Anthony came to the aid of many Christians around the world, providing his wisdom wherever necessary, with many faithful traveling from far and wide to seek his counsels. After many years of trials and asceticism, including a resounding defense in Alexandria against the Arian and Manichean heresies, Saint Anthony had spent 85 years of his life in the solitary desert. "Strive to be united first with the Lord, and then with the saints, so that after death, they may receive you as familiar friends into the everlasting dwellings" - words of admonition to his followers before his falling asleep peacefully in Christ at the age of 105 years in 346 AD. Saint Anthony was a close friend of Saint Athanasios of Alexandria, who is responsible for passing down to us the story of Saint Anthony's life. The text on the scroll is in Ancient Greek and reads: "I saw the snares of the devil spread on all the earth". Saint Anthony's feast day is celebrated on January 17. *** This icon is made of solid, natural limewood (Tilia) that has been prepared by hand using traditional methods and organic materials. The background is comprised of 22 Karat gold leaves that were meticulously applied by hand, piece by piece. All of our icons are reproduced according to museum print standards and are authentic replicas of Holy Icons from Mount Athos and elsewhere. Learn more about how our Holy Icons are made here.
