Saint Abbas: Courage in the Desert
Little-known outside Coptic tradition, St. Abbas was a desert father and abbot in Upper Egypt whose courage shone through unwavering fidelity under persecution.
- Refused to renounce Christ during the late Roman persecutions (possibly under Diocletian or later Arian pressure). When soldiers demanded he offer incense to pagan gods, Abbas replied, “I have one Master in heaven; I will not betray Him.”
- Endured torture without flinching: Whipped, burned with torches, and imprisoned in a dark cell, he continued singing psalms so loudly that other prisoners were converted.
- Protected his monks: When raiders attacked his monastery, Abbas stood at the gate unarmed, calming the bandits with words of repentance until they left in shame, sparing the community.
Leadership Lessons for Catholic Leaders
Coptic Synaxarion praises him: “He chose death a thousand times over the betrayal of his Lord.” His quiet, iron courage combined fearless witness with charity even toward enemies, making him a model desert abbot.
