Paul of Thebes
Paul of Thebes, also known as Paul the First Hermit, was an Egyptian saint recognized as the first Christian hermit. He is venerated for his devout life spent in solitude in the desert of Thebes, from a young age until his death.
- Feast Day
- 15 January
- Century
- 4th century
- Country Or Region
- Egypt
Key Facts
- ›Paul of Thebes lived in the desert of Thebes in Roman Egypt from the age of 16 to 113.
- ›His life was documented by Jerome in "the Life of Saint Paul the First Hermit."
- ›He fled to the desert during the persecution of Decius and Valerianus around AD 250.
- ›Paul lived in a cave, sustained by a palm tree and later by a raven bringing him bread.
- ›He met Anthony the Great around the year 342, and Anthony later buried him.
- ›He is venerated by the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, and Oriental Orthodox Churches.
Paul the First Hermit, Paul the Anchorite, Ⲁⲃⲃⲁ Ⲡⲁⲩⲗⲉ, Παῦλος ὁ Θηβαῖος, Paulus Eremita
Roman Catholic Diocese of San Pablo, Cathedral of San Pablo
Palm Tree, Two Lions, Raven
About Paul of Thebes
Paul of Thebes (c. 227 – c. 341), popularly known as Paul the First Hermit or Paul the Anchorite, is a revered Egyptian saint regarded as the first Christian hermit. His life and veneration are significant in the history of Christian monasticism, particularly within the Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Oriental Orthodox Churches.
Life and Legend
Born in the Thebaid region of Egypt, Paul and his sister were orphaned, and his brother-in-law attempted to betray him to persecutors to seize his inheritance. During the persecutions of Decius and Valerianus around AD 250, Paul fled into the Theban desert as a young man. He is said to have lived in a cave near a spring, sustained by a palm tree for sustenance and clothing until the age of 43. Subsequently, a raven began bringing him half a loaf of bread daily, a practice that continued for the remainder of his life in the desert, which spanned nearly a century.
The legend of Paul of Thebes is primarily known through the account written by Saint Jerome, likely between 375–376. Jerome's text, "Vitae Patrum (Vita Pauli primi eremitae)", details how Saint Anthony the Great was informed of Paul's existence in a dream around 342 and journeyed to find him. According to Jerome, Anthony met Paul when Paul was 113 years old. Their encounter lasted for one day and one night, during which they shared a symbolic breaking of bread. Upon Anthony's subsequent visit, he found Paul dead. Anthony clothed Paul in a tunic gifted by Athanasius of Alexandria and, with the assistance of two lions digging the grave, buried him.
Veneration and Legacy
Paul of Thebes was canonized in 491 by Pope Gelasius I. He is venerated across several major Christian traditions. His feast day is observed on January 15th in the liturgical calendar of the Eastern Orthodox Churches and the Extraordinary Form of the Catholic Church, while the Coptic Orthodox Church celebrates it on February 9th (2 Meshir). Anthony the Great is recorded as having described Paul as "the first monk."
The Monastery of Saint Paul the Anchorite (Deir Anba Bola) in the eastern desert mountains of Egypt is traditionally believed by Copts to be situated on the site of Paul's cave and where his remains are kept. The Cave Church of Saint Paul marks the location where Anthony and Paul are believed to have met. In the 13th century, the Order of Saint Paul the First Hermit was founded in Hungary in his honor. Iconographically, he is typically depicted with symbols such as a palm tree, two lions, and a raven. He is also the patron saint of the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Pablo in the Philippines.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Paul of Thebes?
Paul of Thebes was an Egyptian saint, known as the first Christian hermit. He is believed to have lived a solitary life in the desert of Thebes from the age of 16 until his death at 113.
When did Paul of Thebes live?
Paul of Thebes was born around 227 and died around 341. He fled to the desert during the persecutions of Decius and Valerianus, which occurred around AD 250.
What is Paul of Thebes famous for?
He is chiefly remembered as the first Christian hermit, living in complete solitude in the desert of Thebes. His life story was documented by Jerome, and he is venerated by several major Christian traditions.
How did Paul of Thebes survive in the desert?
Initially, Paul lived in a cave near a spring, using the leaves of a palm tree for clothing and its fruit for food. After 43 years, a raven began bringing him half a loaf of bread daily.
Who was Anthony the Great in relation to Paul of Thebes?
Anthony the Great was told in a dream about Paul's existence and sought him out around 342. They met, conversed for a day and a night, and Anthony later buried Paul.
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