Section 1

Antony was Egyptian by birth. His parents were of good family, possessed sufficient property, and were Christians, so he too was brought up as a Christian. As a little child he was raised by his parents and knew nothing beyond them and his home. When he grew older and reached boyhood, he would not submit to learning letters, because he wished to remain apart from the companionship of other boys. His whole desire was, as Scripture says of Jacob, to live simply at home.

He nevertheless went with his parents to the Lord’s house. As a child he was not careless, nor did he become contemptuous as he grew older. He obeyed his parents, paid close attention to the readings, and kept within himself the benefit he received from them. Although he was raised in a household of moderate wealth, he did not trouble his parents by asking for varied or luxurious food, nor did he seek the pleasures that came from such things. He was content with whatever he found and asked for nothing more.