Macarius of Alexandria
Macarius of Alexandria was a monk in the Nitrian Desert, a younger contemporary of Macarius of Egypt, also known as Macarius the Younger. He was a merchant before dedicating his life to asceticism, eventually becoming a presbyter and prior of a monastery. He is remembered for his strict ascetic practices and for presiding over a large number of monks.
- Century
- 4th century
- Country Or Region
- Egypt
Key Facts
- ›Macarius was born around 300 in Alexandria.
- ›He worked as a merchant selling confections until the age of 40.
- ›After being baptized, he moved to the desert and lived an ascetic life.
- ›He was ordained a presbyter and appointed prior of the monastery known as the 'Kellii'.
- ›Macarius of Alexandria retired to live as a recluse in el-Natroun desert around 335.
- ›He presided over five thousand Nitric monks.
Macarius the Younger
About Macarius of Alexandria
Macarius of Alexandria (died 395) was a significant figure in early Christian monasticism, known for his ascetic life and spiritual leadership in the Egyptian desert. He is often referred to as Macarius the Younger to distinguish him from his slightly older contemporary, Macarius of Egypt.
Life and Historical Context
Born around the year 300 in Alexandria, Macarius initially worked as a merchant selling confections. At the age of 40, he underwent baptism and then renounced his worldly life to embrace an ascetic existence in the desert. After several years of solitary spiritual practice, he was ordained a presbyter and became the prior of a monastery known as the "Kellii," located in the Egyptian desert between the Nitria mountain and a skete where hermits lived in isolation.
Around 335, Macarius retired to live as a recluse in the el-Natroun desert, where numerous miracles were attributed to him. He was a leader of considerable influence, presiding over a community of five thousand Nitric monks. His reputation for strict adherence to monastic discipline was such that he once infiltrated the Tabbenesiot Monastery, led by Pachomios the Great, disguised in secular clothing. During the entire 40-day Great Lent (Quadragesima), he subsisted without eating bread or drinking water, making baskets while standing, which led the monks to question his humanity. A divine revelation later revealed his identity, and the monks sought his blessing.
At the age of 73, Macarius of Alexandria faced exile. Emperor Valens banished him and Macarius of Egypt to an island, which they subsequently converted to Christianity.
Legacy and Writings
Macarius of Alexandria is traditionally credited with a monastic rule, three brief "apothegms" (wise sayings), and a homily on the fate of souls. However, some manuscripts suggest the homily may have been written by a monk named Alexander. Palladius and Sozomen also mention another Macarius the Younger from Lower Egypt who lived as a hermit for over twenty-three years to atone for a past murder, though this figure is distinct from Macarius of Alexandria.
According to Eastern Orthodox tradition, Macarius of Alexandria died on January 2, 395. The Coptic Orthodox tradition places his death on May 1, 395 (6 Pashons, 111 A.M.). His life exemplifies the profound asceticism and spiritual dedication characteristic of the desert fathers.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Macarius of Alexandria?
Macarius of Alexandria was a monk who lived in the Nitrian Desert and was a contemporary of Macarius of Egypt. He is also known as Macarius the Younger.
What was Macarius of Alexandria's early life like?
Born around 300 in Alexandria, Macarius worked as a merchant selling confections until the age of 40. After his baptism, he dedicated himself to an ascetic life in the desert.
What was Macarius of Alexandria's role in monastic life?
He was ordained a presbyter and appointed prior of a monastery called the 'Kellii'. He later retired to live as a recluse and presided over five thousand Nitric monks.
What notable event demonstrates Macarius of Alexandria's asceticism?
During Quadragesima (Great Lent), Macarius disguised himself and neither ate bread nor drank water for the entire period, remaining standing while making baskets of palm leaves, impressing his fellow monks.
When did Macarius of Alexandria die?
According to Eastern Orthodox tradition, he died on January 2, 395. Coptic Orthodox tradition states he died on May 1, 395.
Related Saints
Arsenius the Great
Arsenius the Great was a Roman imperial tutor who became a highly regarded anchorite and Desert Father in Egypt. He is remembered for his influential teachings on asceticism and the contemplative life, and for his profound humility and devotion, which earned him the surname "the Great" from his contemporaries.
Peter of Alexandria
Peter of Alexandria was the 17th Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria who served from 302 to 311. He is revered as a saint by the Coptic Orthodox, Eastern Orthodox, and Catholic Churches. He is chiefly remembered for his leadership during the Diocletianic Persecution and his martyrdom.
Alexander I of Alexandria
Alexander I of Alexandria was the 19th Patriarch of Alexandria who played a crucial role in opposing Arianism. He is primarily remembered for his leadership at the First Council of Nicaea and for mentoring his successor, Athanasius of Alexandria.