St. Athanasius and Friends

St. Athanasius and St. Anthony were best pals—two saints who loved God big time! Around 356 AD, Athanasius hid with monks, including St. Anthony-during an exile in the desert. He learned Anthony’s simple, prayerful ways and one story says Anthony gave him his tunic to wear as a bishop. When Anthony died, Athanasius saw his soul zoom to heaven like a star with angels, then wrote The Life of St. Anthony—a book that made Anthony famous and got tons of people living for God.

Even later, Athanasius helped Anthony’s memory work wonders. A story says in 363 AD, he visited Anthony’s tomb, and a crippled monk got healed by touching Anthony’s cloak—a gift from Athanasius! Coptic kids love this teamwork—it’s like Athanasius passed Anthony a holy assist, showing he’s still cheering for his desert buddy from heaven.