Saint Paul the Hermit was born in 227 AD in Thebaid, Egypt. He lived as a hermit in the Theban desert in Egypt. He died in 342 AD at a cave now occupied by the monastery of Saint Paul the Anchorite(built in his honor), Egypt, at the age of 114. His feast day is celebrated on January 15 by the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church, which also celebrate’s its feast on January 5. It is also celebrated on February 9 by the Oriental Orthodox Church.
St. Paul the Hermit Biography |
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| Date of Birth | 227 AD |
|---|---|
| Country of Birth | Egypt of Africa |
| Matrimony/Holy Orders | Saints who were Monks |
| Profession | Hermit |
| Place of Work | Egypt |
| Date of Death | 342 AD |
| Place of Death | Egypt |
| Feast Day | January 10 |
| Beatification | |
| Canonization | Canonized by Pre congregation |
| Patron Saint of |
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Saint Paul the Hermit’s Life History
Saint Paul the Hermit, also known as Paul of Thebes, Paul the First Hermit or Paul the Anchorite. was born in 227 AD in Thebaid, Egypt. He lived in a family of two children, him and his sister, who got married. They were orphaned when Paul was 15 years old.
Paul lived as a christian at a time of great persecutions pioneered by Decius and Valerianus around 250 AD and in attempts to acquire Paul’s inheritance, his brother-in-law sought to betray him by reporting him to the persecutors. He had to flee to flee to the Theban desert, trusting that God will provide and at first sight, saw a fruitful palm tree with leaves he could use for clothing and a nearby spring as a water source.
He lived a life full of prayer and penance in a desert cave. It was until he was forty three years old, that a raven started bringing him half a loaf of bread each day.
Around the time of his death, Anthony the Great, was enlightened in a divine dream of the existence of an old hermit living in the desert. Anthony embarked on a search and did so for three days, after which he found him when he followed a thirsty she-wolf through an opening in some rocks.
They conversed during the day and prayed during the night. It is said that on the day of Anthony’s visit the raven brought a full loaf of bread for the two, leaving Paul to acknowledge that God always provides for his servants.
He felt his death fast approaching and requested Anthony to bury him with a tunic he would receive as a gift from Athanasius of Alexandria and so Anthony hastily rushed to fetch the tunic. On returning, he found Paul’s dead body in in a kneeling position and it is said that he witnessed his soul being lifted with glory into heaven. Two lions were said to have assisted in digging his grave and so Anthony buried him in the tunic as per Paul’s request and took the palm leaf robe Paul used as clothing, which he cherished it dearly. Anthony used to wear the robe twice a year on special occasions.
Paul the hermit died in 342 AD, aged 114 due to natural causes.
Saint Paul the Hermit’s Birth
He was born in 227 AD in Thebaid, Egypt.
Saint Paul the Hermit’s Death
He died in 342 AD at a cave now occupied by the monastery of Saint Paul the Anchorite(built in his honor), Egypt, at the age of 114.
Family Background
He lived in a family of two children; him and his sister, but were unfortunately both orphaned when he was at the age of 15.
Saint Paul the Hermit’s Nationality
He was African in nationality.
Profession
He lived as a hermit in the Theban desert in Egypt.
Venerated in
He is venerated in the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox and the Anglican Communion Churches.
Saint Paul the Hermit’s Feast Day
His feast day is celebrated on January 15 by the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church, which also celebrate’s its feast on January 5. It is also celebrated on February 9 by the Oriental Orthodox Church.
Saint Paul the Hermit’s Attributes
He is attributed with palm trees, two lions and a raven.
Saint Paul the Hermit’s Major Shrines
His major shrine is the Monastery of Saint Paul the Anchorite, Theban desert, in Egypt.
Saint Paul the Hermit is the Patron Saint of
He is the patron saint of hermits and the Diocese of San Pablo, Philippines.
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