Anoub

Abba Anoub, also known as Anoubius, was an Egyptian Eastern Orthodox Christian saint and anchorite who lived during the 4th and 5th centuries in Scetis (modern-day Wadi El Natrun). He is mentioned in the *Sayings of the Desert Fathers* and was one of seven blood-brothers of Poemen, their elder. Before becoming a monk, Anoub faced persecution for his Christian faith. After the invasion of Scetis by the Mazices barbarians (407–408 AD), Anoub and his brothers fled to Terenuthis (modern-day Al-Tarrānah), where he led a cenobitic community. They occupied a former pagan temple, which became their temporary home. Anoub emphasized strict asceticism, dedicating their time to prayer and manual labor, with only four hours allotted for sleep each night. Anoub’s teachings focused on truthfulness, humility, and the importance of overlooking others’ faults. He advised his brothers to live in silence and unity, stating that those who attain purity can see their own sins and forgive others. A notable story recounts Anoub throwing stones at a statue in the temple to test his brothers’ reactions, teaching them to remain steadfast and united regardless of external circumstances. Anoub also demonstrated wisdom in dealing with his brother Paësius, who suggested fleeing with stolen gold to establish another monastery. Anoub ingeniously lost the gold during their journey, preventing potential greed-induced destruction. Before his death, Anoub revealed the secrets of visiting hermits’ hearts, showcasing his clairvoyance. Sources like the *Sayings of the Desert Fathers* and St. Nikolaj Velimirović’s *Prologue of Ohrid* highlight Anoub as a significant ...