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Also known as: Paul the
First Hermit; Paul of Thebes; Paul the Anchorite; Pavly; Pavlos
Profile
Grew up in an upper-class, Christian family. Well educated, fluent in
Greek and Egyptian. His parents died when he was 15. When the persecution
of Decius began a few years later, Paul fled into the desert to escape
them, and the machinations of his brother Peter and the rest of his family
who wanted his property. He lived as a desert hermit in a cave the
remainder of his 113 year life, surviving off fruit and water, wearing
leaves or nothing, spending his time in prayer; legend says a raven kept
him supplied with bread. Late in life he came to know, and was buried by
Saint Anthony the Abbott. His biography was written by Saint Jerome.
Born: c.230 at Lower Thebes, Egypt
Died: 5 January 342 of natural causes; grave reported to have been
dug by desert lions near his cave who guarded the body; buried by Saint
Anthony the Abbot
Patronage: clothing industry, weavers
Representation: dead man whose grave is being dug by a lion; man
being brought food by a bird; man clad in rough garments made of leaves or
skins; old man, clothed with palm-leaves, and seated under a palm-tree,
near which are a river and loaf of bread; with Saint Anthony the Abbot
source:
http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saintp24.htm |
