Macarius of Alexandria
Greek·Male·4th century·Egypt
Macarius of Alexandria was a monk in the Nitrian Desert, known as Macarius the Younger, who lived in the 4th century CE. He was a merchant before dedicating his life to asceticism, becoming a presbyter and prior of a monastery called the "Kellii". He is remembered for his extreme ascetic practices and for being exiled by Emperor Valens.
Key Facts
- ›Born in Alexandria around 300 CE.
- ›Was a merchant selling confections until age 40.
- ›Ordained a presbyter and appointed prior of the "Kellii" monastery.
- ›Retired to live as a recluse in the el-Natroun desert around 335 CE.
- ›Presided over five thousand Nitric monks.
- ›Exiled by Emperor Valens along with Macarius of Egypt.
- A Monastic Rule
- Three Brief Apothegms
- Homily "On the End of the Souls of the Righteous and of Sinners"
Macarius the Younger
4th Century
Nitrian Desert, Egyptian Desert, El-Natroun Desert
Desert Fathers
About Macarius of Alexandria
Macarius of Alexandria, also referred to as Macarius the Younger, was a prominent monk and spiritual figure in the Nitrian Desert during the 4th century CE. He was a contemporary and slightly younger associate of Macarius of Egypt.
Life and Asceticism
Born in Alexandria around 300 CE, Macarius initially led a life as a merchant selling confections. At the age of 40, he underwent baptism and committed himself to an ascetic life in the desert. After several years of rigorous spiritual practice, he was ordained a presbyter and appointed as the prior of a monastery known as the "Kellii," meaning "cells," located in the Egyptian desert between the Nitria mountain and a skete inhabited by monastic hermits.
Around 335 CE, Macarius of Alexandria chose to live as a recluse in the el-Natroun desert, where numerous miracles were attributed to him. He held significant influence, presiding over five thousand Nitric monks. His dedication to strict asceticism was legendary; he once infiltrated the Tabbenesiot Monastery, observing an austere fast for the entire Quadragesima (Great Lent) without anyone realizing his identity until a divine revelation to the monastery's prior, Pachomius the Great.
Exile and Legacy
In his later years, at the age of 73, Macarius of Alexandria was exiled by Emperor Valens. He was sent to an island along with Macarius of Egypt, where they are credited with Christianizing the local population. Eastern Orthodox tradition marks his death on January 2, 395, while Coptic Orthodox tradition commemorates him on May 1, 395.
Several spiritual writings are attributed to Macarius of Alexandria, including a monastic rule and three brief apothegms. A homily titled "On the End of the Souls of the Righteous and of Sinners" is also ascribed to him, though some ancient manuscripts suggest a monk named Alexander as the author. Palladius and Sozomen also mention a Macarius the Younger of Lower Egypt, distinct from this figure, who lived in seclusion for over twenty-three years as penance for a past murder.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Macarius of Alexandria?
Macarius of Alexandria, also known as Macarius the Younger, was a monk in the Nitrian Desert during the 4th century CE. He was a slightly younger contemporary of Macarius of Egypt.
What was Macarius of Alexandria's early life like?
Before dedicating his life to asceticism, Macarius was born around 300 CE in Alexandria and worked as a merchant selling confections until he was 40 years old.
What role did Macarius of Alexandria have in monastic communities?
After his baptism and move to the desert, Macarius was ordained a presbyter and appointed prior of a monastery called the "Kellii" in the Egyptian desert. He later presided over five thousand Nitric monks.
What is Macarius of Alexandria known for in terms of his asceticism?
Macarius of Alexandria was known for his extreme ascetic practices. He once disguised himself to join the Tabbenesiot Monastery during Quadragesima, neither eating bread nor drinking water for the entire 40-day period while standing and making baskets.
Was Macarius of Alexandria exiled?
Yes, at the age of 73, Macarius of Alexandria was exiled by Emperor Valens, along with Macarius of Egypt, to an island where they subsequently helped to Christianize the inhabitants.
Related Church Fathers
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Victor of Antioch
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Anthony the Great
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