29 Saint Theodore Studite and Saint Anthony of the Desert

2nd half of 19th – early 20th century, Size: 101⁄2”x81⁄2”

This image depicts St. Theodore Studite and St. Anthony Abbot. On the left is St. Theodore Studite named Studite because he was the Abbot of the Monastery of Stoudios in Constantinople. He holds in his arms an icon of the Dormition of the Mother of God. He holds this particular icon because he wrote a work titled the Encomium on the Dormition of the Theotokos. On the right we see St. Anthony Abbot, who was a monk and hermit. After hearing Matthew 19:21, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”

Anthony gave all his belongings to the poor and went into the Egyptian Desert to pray. He is famous for his resisting of temptations while in the desert, which is depicted in countless paintings, including the earliest known painting of Michaelangelo. St. Anthony of the Desert is considered the Father of Monks and influenced monasticism in both the East and West. St. Anthony’s biography was written by St. Athanasius of Alexandria.