Jan 10 – St Paul of Thebes – The first Christian hermit (230-342)
Summary: St Paul of Thebes, hermit, is traditionally regarded as the first Christian hermit and is called Paul of Thebes from the Theban desert in Egypt. The Roman Martyrology tells us he lived “from the sixteenth to the one hundred and thirteenth year of his age. He is associated with Antony, a companion desert father.
Patrick Duffy tells his story.
St Jerome’s Life of Paul
Going to the Desert
Jerome says that Paul was a young man gifted with Greek and Egyptian learning. He went to the desert during the persecution of Decius (250-1 AD). Some people went to the desert to escape the tortures of the body, others to escape the tortures of the soul.
God Provides
Paul found a shallow cave which he regarded as a gift from God. A palm tree provided shade and food and there was a small stream for water.
Antony’s search for and encounter with Paul
In
“Tell me,” asked Paul, “how fares the human race? Are new homes springing up in the ancient cities? What government directs the world?
Are there still some remaining for the demons to carry away by their delusions?”
A 
Paul’s death
Although Paul was already dead, still his dead body was praying in gestures to God, who had given and sustained his life. Two lions appeared to scoop out a grave with their paws. Antony removed the tunic of leaves Paul had sewn for himself and buried the holy man in the cloak of Athanasius he had brought.
Each Easter and Pentecost ever after Antony wore Paul’s tunic in memory of his friendship.
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Memorable saying for Hermits about their favourite biblical text
‘Be Still and Know That I Am God’
This is a beloved passage which declares that no matter
what was or was not happening around him,
God alone is his refuge and strength.
~ c/f Psalm 46:10 ~
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