Pambo

Saint Pambo (also known as Pemwah and Bemwah) (d. ca. 375) is an Egyptian Desert Father^[1] of the fourth century. Saint Pambo is venerated by Roman Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox Churches. Veneration day is 18 July.^[2][3]

Life

Pambo was a disciple of Saint Anthony the Great. He lived in the Nitrian Desert where he founded many monasteries.^[4] He was renowned for his wisdom, and was consulted by many, including Saint Athanasius, Saint Melania the Elder, and Saint Rufinus. He was also the spiritual father of many saints, including Saint Pishoy and Saint John the Dwarf.

A founder of the Nitrian Desert monastery in Egypt and a famed disciple of St. Anthony. Having served and studied under Anthony in his youth, Pambo later became a pioneer in establishing the eremitical life in the Nitrian Desert and was much respected for his wisdom. According to tradition, he was regularly visited by some of the most powerful and prominent figures of the time, including Sts. Athanasius, Melania the Elder, and Rufinus. St. Melania was with him when he died.

As a youngster Saint Pambo once asked Saint Anthony "My Father, teach me to live well." To which the great Saint Anthony answered "My son, to live well, one must have a great distrust of oneself, with every effort watch over one's heart and mind, and in all things seek God alone."^[5]

Death

He died in 375 of natural causes.

References