Pachomius was born in southern Egypt in the late 200’s. As a young man, he was forced into the military against his will and sent away from home with other conscripted soldiers. During his captivity, he was given food by a community of Christians. Pachomius vowed to investigate the faith further. After his military service, he joined a group of Christian pilgrims living in the desert within the proximity of the great hermit, Anthony of Egypt. Over time, Pachomius discerned a need to better organize the large community of hermits living in the caves of the desert. He created the first monastic rule of life in history, organized to provided discipline and care for isolated hermits so they could live within community.
O God, your blessed Son became poor for our sake, and chose the Cross over the kingdoms of this world: Deliver us from an inordinate love of worldly things, that we, inspired by the devotion of your servant Pachomius, may seek you with singleness of heart, behold your glory by faith, and attain to the riches of your everlasting kingdom, where we shall be united with our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.