Antony

(c. 251-356). Early Christian desert hermit. He was raised in a Christian home. After his parents died he sold all his possessions and became a hermit or anchorite. He devoted himself to a life of asceticism. He retired to the desert where he lived in solitude, fasting, and prayer. Antony is said to have fought with demons under the guise of wild beasts. Athanasius wrote a Life of Antony (c. 357), which helped to spread the idea of anchorite monasticism. Antony is commemorated in the Episcopal calendar of the church year on Jan. 17.