Treasures and Tales

St. Anthony was fearless, trusting God in every danger—even near a canal full of crocodiles! A Coptic story tells how he needed to cross the Arsenoitic Canal to visit monks, with no boat and crocodiles lurking—think sharp teeth and scaly tails. Most would’ve run, but Anthony prayed to Jesus and stepped toward the water. The crocodiles didn’t attack—they stayed calm, letting him cross safely! An Ethiopian story adds that one even seemed friendly, like it knew Anthony’s faith.

This wasn’t just a brave moment—it showed God’s power over nature, shining through Anthony’s trust. Coptic stories also say he calmed hyenas, but the crocodile crossing is special: bold, wild, and so like Anthony. For kids, it’s like an adventure tale: a monk who calms dangers with faith, proving God can carry you anywhere when you pray.