To the monks in foreign lands

Athanasius the bishop, to the monks in foreign lands.

You have entered into a noble rivalry with the monks of Egypt, choosing either to equal them or even to surpass them in your ascetic training in virtue. For monasteries have now arisen among you as well, and the name of monk has gained a place there. Such a purpose deserves praise, and may God bring it to completion in answer to your prayers.

Since you have also asked me about the way of life of the blessed Antony—wishing to learn how he began his ascetic life, what he was like before it, how his life came to an end, and whether the things said about him are true, so that you yourselves may be stirred to imitate his zeal—I received your request with great eagerness. For even the simple remembrance of Antony is a great spiritual benefit to me. And I know that when you hear his story, you will not only admire the man but will also wish to imitate his resolve, since the life of Antony is a sufficient pattern of ascetic practice for monks.

So do not disbelieve what you have heard about him from those who have brought reports. Rather, consider that you have heard only a small part from them, for they could scarcely have recounted more than a little from so great a life. And I too, prompted by you, will send in this letter what I can, recalling only a few things about him. But you should not stop questioning those who sail from here. Perhaps, even when each person tells what he knows, the account will still scarcely be worthy of him.

When I received your letter, I wanted to send for some of the monks, especially those who used to visit him most often, so that by learning something more I might give you a fuller account. But the sailing season was drawing to a close, and the bearer of the letter was in haste. I therefore hurried to write to your reverence what I myself know—for I saw him many times—and what I was able to learn from him, having followed him for no short time and poured water over his hands. Throughout, I have taken care for the truth, so that no one, on hearing too much, might refuse to believe, nor anyone, on learning less than he should, might despise the man.