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Macarius of Alexandria

c. 295 – c. 395 · b. Alexandria
monkpresbyter

Egyptian ascetic, distinct from his older contemporary Macarius the Great of Egypt, with whom he is often confused. A former merchant, he became a monk in the Nitrian desert and later at Kellia, where he was ordained presbyter. Palladius, who lived under him, describes his extreme ascetic feats and visits to the major desert centres including Tabennesi. His sayings are preserved among the Apophthegmata Patrum.

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Common questions

Who was Macarius of Alexandria?
Macarius of Alexandria (295–395) — Egyptian ascetic, distinct from his older contemporary Macarius the Great of Egypt, with whom he is often confused. A former merchant, he became a monk in the Nitrian desert and later at Kellia, where he was ordained presbyter. Palladius, who lived under him, describes his extreme ascetic feats and visits to the major desert centres including Tabennesi. His sayings are preserved among the Apophthegmata Patrum.
Who taught Macarius of Alexandria?
Anthony the Great.

Sources for biography

  • Palladius, Historia Lausiaca 18 primary
  • Apophthegmata Patrum, alphabetical collection s.v. Makarios the Citizen primary
  • ODCC s.v. Macarius of Alexandria, St secondary

tradition connections(1)

  • taught by Anthony the Great
    Palladius reports Macarius of Alexandria as a disciple of Antony; the relationship is preserved in the desert-father tradition rather than in a contemporary document.
    Palladius, Historia Lausiaca 18

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