St. Anthony the Great was a Christian monk from Egypt, born around 251 AD. He is often considered the father of monasticism due to his influential role in establishing the monastic lifestyle. After inheriting his parents' wealth, he chose to live a life of poverty and solitude, retreating to the desert to seek spiritual growth and connection with God. St. Anthony is known for his ascetic practices and deep faith, which attracted many followers. His life and teachings inspired the formation of monastic communities, and he is venerated as a saint in various Christian traditions, including the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church.