Saint Paul of Thebes
Egyptian hermit called the first hermit by Saint Jerome
- Rank
- Saint
- Kind
- Religious, Mystic
- Life
- ~227 – ~341
- Era
- 4th century
- Feast
- 15 January
- Countries
- Egypt
Life story
The only substantial source on Paul is Jerome's Life of Paul the First Hermit, written around 375–376. Jerome was an educated writer and the work may follow a literary genre, so historians are cautious about the details he gives. According to it, Paul was born in the Thebaid in Upper Egypt, around 227 on the dates usually cited, was orphaned and was well educated.
Around 250, during the persecution under the emperor Decius, he fled into the desert to avoid being betrayed by his brother-in-law, who wanted his property. According to Jerome he lived for decades in a cave near a spring and a date palm, using its leaves for clothing and its fruit for food. Legend adds that a raven brought half a loaf of bread to him each day.
In the same work Anthony visits Paul, guided by a dream, when Paul is very old. They talk and share a loaf the raven has brought. Paul died soon afterwards, aged 113 according to Jerome; the death year is usually given as about 341. Anthony buried him, and legend says two lions helped dig the grave. The monastery of Saint Paul in Egypt's Red Sea region bears his name. His memorial is 15 January.
Works and witness
- Lived as a hermit in the Theban desert from about 250
- According to Jerome, spent decades in a cave near a spring
- Visited by Anthony late in life
- Biography written by Jerome around 375
- The monastery of Saint Paul in Egypt bears his name
Saints from the same country
References
- Jerome, Life of Paul the First Hermit (c. 375)
- Martyrologium Romanum
- Athanasius of Alexandria, Life of Anthony
Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.