saint anthony

The Restoration of Saint Anthony's Monastery near Al-Zaafarana, Egypt

Submitted by veigapaula on Tue, 11/10/2009 - 23:54

The Christian Monastery of Saint Anthony, or Deir Mar Antonios, is the the first ever monastery, and lies at the coast of the Red Sea, to the east of the Fayum oasis. Dedicated to St Anthony, it was founded in 356 AD immediately after the saint's death, and is now the oldest Christian monastery still active in the world. Near the monastery (2 km away) there is also St. Anthony's cave, where he lived as a hermit.

This video provides a rare glimpse inside this wonderful monastery, filled with art and the postumous home of a hermit saint, Saint Anthony. Monasticism was a reality in Egypt after the first followers of Jesus entered the country and from here, from the land of the extinct pharaohs, monks and monastic life spread out to all the rest of the world.

The Coptic Monastery of Saint Anthony

Submitted by Ann on Tue, 11/10/2009 - 10:59

Father Maximous el-Antony guides us through the Monastery of Saint Anthony in Egypt, founded in 356AD and one of the oldest monasteries still active today - and tells us more about its past and the current restoration works.

Today Saint Anthony's Monastery is a beautiful self-contained village with gardens, a mill, a bakery and five churches, the most famous of which is St. Anthony's Church. Egypt's monasteries are experiencing a revival, and the monk population of St. Anthony's has grown considerably in recent years. For more information about the current reconstruction works, watch the video and read Paula Veiga's blog.

Video details

Credits:

Nico Piazza

YouTube embed code:

Image banners and thumbnails

Video Thumbnail:

Deir Mar Antonios, Saint Anthony's Monastery

Attribution:

Eva Byrne

Key Dates

In 356 AD Saint Anthony died and the monastery was built - it is still active today.

6th and 7th century AD monks from Wadi Natrun come to stay here after being persecuted by Bedouins.

Partly destroyed in the 11th century and plundered again by Bedouins in the 15th century.

Key People

Saint Anthony (c 251 – 356), celebrated by Copts on January 30th.

VIDEO: The Restoration of Saint Anthony's Monastery near Al-Zaafarana, Egypt

This active monastery is a box full of surprises as the restoration works have uncovered exquisite medieval paintings, mostly of Holy Knights and Saints. It is really worth the three-hour drive from Cairo to visit this piece of architecture, built as a fortress as a result of Bedouin 'activity' in the past.

According to Abuna ('our Father' in Arabic) Maximos, a resident monk and the brain behind the restoration works, Bedouins still come for food. They have a trap door at the monastery for these occasions.

Related Structures

Monastery of Saint Anthony

Saint Anthony's Church (within the Monastery, and among four other churches inside)

Saint Anthony's Cave (magharah) 2 km from the monastery, 680 m above the Red Sea

Images