Saint Anthony The Great

Saint Anthony the Great is considered to be the father of Christian monasticism. He belonged to the Coptic Orthodox Church, which is the ancient and original church of Egypt. He lived from 251 to 356 AD, and spent most of his life in the desert living in poverty. He witnessed the split of the Roman Empire, and debated with Greek Philosophers and Arian heretics.

The primary source for this discussion is "The Life of St. Anthony the Great," by Athanasius the Great.