Venerable Macarius of Alexandria

Life

Macarius was born in Alexandria and was at first a fruit seller. He was baptized only in his fortieth year and as soon as he was baptized, he went to ascetic struggle. He was at first a disciple of Saint Anthony together with Macarius the Great, and afterward abbot of the monastery called Cells, between Nitria and Scetis. Somewhat younger than that Macarius, he died later. He lived over one hundred years. Tormented by demonic temptations, especially the temptation of vainglory, he calmed himself with extremely difficult labors and unceasing prayer, raising his mind unceasingly to God. Once a certain brother saw him filling a basket with sand and carrying it up a hill and pouring it out. Astonished, the brother asked him: "What are you doing?" Macarius answered: "I am wearing out the one who is wearing me out" (that is, the devil). He reposed in the year 393, being over 100 years old.