17 November
Eata Readings
The Roman Emperor Maximin began persecuting the Church, but preferred sending Christians down the mines rather than executing them. Antony set out for Alexandria, longing to become a martyr himself. He ended up visiting the mines and prisons, fervently encouraging those Christians put on trial, and standing with them in their sufferings,
The judge found Antony and his companions so fearless before the law court that he gave an order that none of the monks were to be allowed in the court, nor even to remain in the city. Antony’s deep desire was to surrender his life, but the Lord kept him for a living, breathing example, showing many others how to grow closer to God, equipping them through all he had learnt in the Scriptures.