the church that forced "puritanical souls to revolt. This deterioration is thought to have started in the upper classes of Roman society, which caused many to shift away into the early form of Monasticism. As in all great movements in history, personalities or leaders are birthed. One such personality's ideals are interwoven throughout the foundations of Monasticism. "Antony is considered to be the founder of Monasticism. He was reared in an affluent Christian home in Egypt. Soon after his parents' death when Antony was about eighteen years old, he felt that God directed him to give up his possessions and live a life of absolute devotion. After selling his parents' estate, he retired to a cave in the desert, and there he spent his time in prayer and meditationAntony became famous for holiness and power in prayer throughout the empire. People became so inspired by Antony's devotion, they began to organize themselves into monastic communities. "According to The Life of Antony, written by bishop Athanasius, many people from all walks of life visited Antony in the desert seeking his prayers. "Anthanasius speaks of one particular occasion when many people gathered at the entrance of Antony's cave seeking prayers. Antony finally emerged and through him God healed many people wisdom.Antony must have been a man of vision. When no one would make a bold stand, Antony did. For this reason, many people of his era, and even today acknowledge his achievements in Monasticism. Antony's influence on Monetarism goes beyond forming the structural bonds, his influence extends to of course, more leaders! The life of Antony inspired a young man by the name of Pachomius. "Pachomius is a discharged soldier inspired by the life of Antony to live for a time as a hermit. One day while sitting down in his cell, an angel appeared to him saying, 'Go and gather together unto thyself those wandering, and be thou dwelling with them, and lay down for them such laws ...
