St. Anthony's Living Presence

St. Anthony’s been a prayer champion since his desert days, and he’s still at it! Back then, he’d pray to God all night, chasing away demons with every word. Now in heaven, Copts and Ethiopians call on him like a best friend who never stops listening. Need courage? He’s ready. Scared of bad dreams? He’s there. A Coptic story tells of a Cairo kid in 2023 who couldn’t sleep because of nightmares. His mom said, “Ask for St. Anthony's prayers, the demon-buster!” That night, the kid whispered, “Help me, St. Anthony,” and slept peacefully, waking up with a smile.

Ethiopian monks at Debre Damo love him, too. A story says that when they’re fasting on steep cliffs and feeling weak, they ask Anthony for strength, feeling like he’s cheering them on, just as Coptic tradition says he guided monks like St. Macarius long ago. Another Coptic tale claims Anthony’s prayers once broke a heretic’s idol in Alexandria, showing his power against falsehoods. Today, he’s quick to help, a pal who hears every “please” and answers with God’s strength. For kids, he’s like a superhero hotline—just call, and he’s there, staff in hand, ready to pray for you!