Saint Apollo of Bawit

Biography

Saint Apollo of Bawit was an esteemed hermit and monk in Thebes, Egypt during the fourth century. Born in the year 316, little is known about his early life and upbringing. However, it is believed that he was drawn to a life of solitude and contemplation from a young age. Apollo dedicated himself to a life of asceticism and withdrew from society to seek a deeper connection with God. For an impressive span of forty years, he resided in Thebes as a hermit, living in seclusion and dedicating himself to intense prayer, fasting, and reflection. Through his devotion, he acquired a reputation for his remarkable holiness, wisdom, and spiritual insight. In time, news of Apollo's sanctity spread, attracting many followers who sought his guidance and spiritual counsel. As his reputation grew, he was invited to be the abbot of the renowned Bawit monastery in Hermopolis, Egypt. Under his wise and compassionate leadership, the monastery flourished and became home to a community of five hundred devoted monks. However, Apollo's commitment to his monastic life was soon challenged by the tumultuous times in which he lived. During the reign of Emperor Julian the Apostate, who sought to diminish the influence of Christianity, Apollo emerged as a staunch opponent of the emperor's decrees. He firmly believed that Christians should not compromise their faith and spoke out against the measures implemented by Julian. As a result of his defiance, Apollo made the difficult decision to leave his position as abbot and renounce the monastic life. He embarked on a new path as a Christian activist, dedicating his efforts to rallying against the oppressive measures enacted by Julian. Despite facing numerous challenges and persecution, Apollo's unwavering faith and determination remained steadfast. Despite his departure from the monastic community, the legacy of his leadership at Bawit continued to thrive. The monks, deeply influenced by his teachings and example, held him in high regard, frequently seeking his guidance even after his departure. Saint Apollo of Bawit spent the latter years of his life tirelessly fighting for the rights and freedom of Christians under the oppressive rule of Emperor Julian. His unwavering stance for religious liberty and his commitment to preserving the authentic Christian faith earned him the admiration and respect of many. Saint Apollo peacefully passed away in the year 395, dying of natural causes. His death marked the end of a remarkable and humble lifetime devoted to prayer, asceticism, leadership, and the protection of the Christian faith. Even though he was not officially recognized by the pre-congregation canonization process, Saint Apollo's holiness and influence throughout his life have led many to venerate him as a saint. Although Saint Apollo does not have any known specific patronages, his life and example serve as an inspiration to those who strive for selfless dedication to the Christian faith, standing firm in the face of adversity, and always advocating for justice and freedom. His feast day is celebrated on October 22nd, an opportunity for believers to honor his memory and seek his intercession.