Section 67

Along with all this, Antony was gentle in disposition and humble in spirit. Although he was such a man, he observed the Church’s order with the greatest care and wanted every member of the clergy to be honored before himself.

He was not ashamed to bow his head to bishops and presbyters. If a deacon came to him seeking help, Antony would speak with him about what was beneficial, but when it was time for prayer he gave the deacon precedence, not being ashamed to learn from others himself.

Indeed, he often asked questions and wanted to listen to those who were present. Whenever someone said something useful, Antony openly acknowledged that he had benefited from it.

His face also possessed a remarkable and extraordinary grace. This too was a gift he had received from the Savior. If he stood among a large group of monks and someone who had never seen him before wished to find him, that person would immediately pass by the others and go straight to Antony, as though drawn by his appearance.

He was not distinguished from the others by unusual height or bodily size, but by the serenity of his character and the purity of his soul. Because his soul was free from disturbance, his outward appearance was calm. The joy within his soul gave brightness to his face, and the movements of his body revealed the condition of his soul.

As Scripture says, “When the heart is glad, the face is cheerful; but when the heart is sorrowful, the face is cast down.” In this way Jacob recognized what was in Laban’s heart and said to his wives, “Your father’s face is not toward me as it was yesterday and the day before.” In this way Samuel recognized David, whose eyes were joyful and whose teeth were white as milk.

So Antony too could be recognized. He was never agitated, because his soul was at peace, and he was never gloomy, because his mind was filled with joy.