Athre

ON SAINT ATHRE,

ABBOT IN EGYPT.

From the MS. Synaxarium and the Lives of the Fathers.

CENT. V.

Athre, Abbot in Egypt (S.)

G. H.

Notice of this Saint is had in the MS. Synaxarium, found by us at Dijon with Peter Francis Chifflet of our Society, Memory in the MS. Greek Calendars, in which on this 8th day of June, among Eulogies of other Saints, is read: Τῃ αυτῃ ἡμέρᾳ ὁ Ὃσιος Ἀθρὲ ἐν εἰρήνῃ τελειοῦται. On the same day Saint Athre in peace finished his life, and these verses are added, with allusion to the name, taken ἀπὸ τοῦ ἀθρεῖν, to See.

Κάλλη τὰ τῆς γης ἐμφρόνως διαπτύσας, Ἁθρεῖς τὸ καλλὸς, Ἀθρὲ τοῦ σοῦ Δεσπότου.

The beauties of the world flying over with prudent mind, You now see the beauty of your Master, Athre.

[2] Eulogy from the Lives of the Fathers. Mention of him is found in the Lives of the Fathers book 5, by an uncertain Greek author, but translated by Pelagius, Libellus 15 number 43, where Abbot Sisoi narrates the following: I came once to Abbot Hor and Abbot Athre. These two were not from one province: but there was between them great grace, until both went out of the body. Abbot Athre was however of the highest obedience: Abbot Hor of much humility. I therefore spent a few days with them, investigating their virtues; and I saw a marvelous thing, which Abbot Athre did. Someone had brought them a small fish, and Abbot Athre wished to cook it for the elder Abbot Hor. Abbot Athre had therefore placed the knife, and was cutting that fish: and Abbot Hor called him, saying: Athre, Athre. He at once let go the knife