Agathon of Scetis
Abba Agathon was an Egyptian Christian monk and saint renowned for his meekness and discernment, living in Scetis around the 4th century. A disciple of Abba Lot and Abba Poemen, he is remembered for his humility and his commitment to manual labor and silence. He is venerated as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
- Feast Day
- March 2
- Century
- 5th century
- Country Or Region
- Egypt
Key Facts
- ›Abba Agathon was an Egyptian Christian monk and saint who lived around the 4th century in Scetis, Lower Egypt.
- ›He was known for his exceptional meekness, accounting himself the most sinful of all men.
- ›Agathon was a disciple of Abba Lot and Abba Poemen, and a contemporary of notable Desert Fathers.
- ›He moved after the destruction of Scetis and lived near Troe close to the Nile with his disciple Abraham.
- ›Agathon practiced extreme asceticism, including living for three years with a stone in his mouth to learn silence.
- ›He died around AD 435 and is venerated in the Eastern Orthodox Church on March 2.
About Agathon of Scetis
Abba Agathon of Scetis
Abba Agathon was an Egyptian Christian monk and saint who lived in the desert region of Scetis, Lower Egypt, around the 4th century. He is particularly remembered for his extraordinary meekness and spiritual discernment, embodying the ideals of the Desert Fathers. Agathon was a disciple of prominent ascetics such as Abba Lot and Abba Poemen, and he lived during the same era as other significant figures of the Egyptian desert.
Life and Teachings
Agathon was trained in asceticism from a young age by Poemen. Even in his youth, he was held in high esteem by Poemen, who addressed him as "Abba" (father). Agathon consistently viewed himself as the most sinful of all men, a testament to his profound humility. He later lived in Scetis alongside companions like Alexander and Zoilus, and after the destruction of Scetis, he relocated near Troe, close to the Nile, with his disciple Abraham.
His life was characterized by rigorous self-discipline and a commitment to self-sufficiency. It is said that Agathon often traveled with only his knife for making wicker-baskets, providing for his needs through manual labor even in his advanced years. To cultivate silence and control his speech, he is reputed to have lived for three consecutive years with a stone in his mouth.
Final Moments and Legacy
At the time of his death, around AD 435, Abba Agathon remained conscious for three days with his eyes open. In his final moments, he spoke of being at the Judgement Seat of God, expressing human uncertainty about the acceptability of his deeds to God, stating, "Truly the judgement of God is not that of man." His final words have been quoted by later spiritual writers.
Agathon is venerated as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church, with his feast day observed on March 2. His life story, found in the Sayings of the Desert Fathers and quoted by figures like Dorotheus of Gaza, offers insights into the ascetic practices and spiritual depth of early Christian monasticism, emphasizing humility, silence, and unwavering faith.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Abba Agathon?
Abba Agathon was an Egyptian Christian monk and saint who lived in Scetis around the 4th century. He was known for his profound meekness and discernment.
What is Abba Agathon chiefly remembered for?
He is chiefly remembered for his exceptional humility, often considering himself the most sinful of men, and for his dedication to silence and manual labor, even in old age.
Who were Abba Agathon's teachers and contemporaries?
Agathon was a disciple of Abba Lot and Abba Poemen, and he was a contemporary of notable Desert Fathers such as Amun, Macarius, Joseph, and Peter.
What were some of Abba Agathon's ascetic practices?
Agathon practiced extreme asceticism, including living for three consecutive years with a stone in his mouth to help him learn silence and abstinence from speech. He also provided for himself through manual labor.
When is Abba Agathon venerated?
Abba Agathon is venerated as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church on March 2.
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