By Sarah Levesque
Macarius the Great, also known as Macarius the Egyptian or Macarius the Elder, was one of the Desert Fathers of the early Church. He was born around the turn of the fourth century in Egypt, the son of a Christian. Originally a camel driver, Macarius was ordained a priest and became a hermit, following the words of an angel that appeared to him twice. Macarius visited St. Anthony of the Desert, learning from him, and eventually receiving his staff, the symbol of his leadership. He became known for his gifts of prophecy, healing, and spiritual instruction. As his virtue grew, so did his fame and followers. One of these was Macarius of Alexandria, also called the Lesser. In 373, both men, among others, were driven away by Arians, but managed to return a few years later. Macarius the Great died in 390 and was buried in the cell of the monastery he had built in the desert. He is venerated by the Eastern and Western churches.
Sources:
stmacariusmonastery.org/saints/macarius/?lang=en
britannica.com/biography/Macarius-the-Egyptian
LogoSophia Magazine 