Saint Agathon of Scete

Biography

Saint Agathon of Scete, also known as Agathon the Hermit, was a prominent figure in the early Christian Church. Born around the year 300, little is known about Agathon's early life. However, it is believed that around the year 364, he left his worldly possessions and retired from the world to live as a prayerful and austere hermit in the desert of Scete, near Alexandria, Egypt. As a hermit, Agathon dedicated his life to prayer, asceticism, and the pursuit of holiness. He lived in a solitary manner, seeking to detach himself from worldly distractions and focus solely on his relationship with God. In order to support himself, he began weaving baskets and selling them in the nearby city of Alexandria. However, Agathon's generosity shone through in his dealings with the poor. He not only sold his baskets but often gave them away to those in need. It is said that he would tirelessly make baskets and distribute them to the very poor, allowing them to either use or sell them as they saw fit. This act of charity made him a real-life Good Samaritan, demonstrating his selflessness and care for those less fortunate. One notable instance of Agathon's compassion occurred when he stumbled upon a foreign traveler who was seriously ill on the side of the road. Moved with compassion, Agathon took the man to an inn and personally looked after him. Recognizing the traveler's need for recovery, Agathon took it upon himself to work in the city for four months, using the money he earned to pay for the man's room and expenses while he regained his health. Agathon's life in the desert was one of great simplicity and solitude. While his time may have been devoted to prayer and solitude, he did not hesitate to extend help and care to those in need. His actions exemplified the Christian virtues of charity, compassion, and selflessness. Saint Agathon of Scete lived a long and devout life, eventually passing away around the year 370 in Scete, Egypt, of natural causes. Although little is known about his formal canonization, he is widely venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church and is honored on January 8th as his feast day. Through his life of prayer, austerity, and charitable acts, Saint Agathon of Scete serves as an inspiration for all Christians to live lives of devotion, self-sacrifice, and love for one another.