Pachomius the Great

Saint Pachomius , also known as Pachome and Pakhomius , is generally recognized as the founder of Christian cenobitic monasticism. Coptic churches celebrate his feast day onMay, and Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches mark his feast onMay orMay. In the Lutheran Church, the saint is remembered as a renewer of the church, along with his contemporary , Anthony of Egypt on January 17.

Saint Pachomius was born in 292 in Thebes to pagan parents. According to his hagiography, at age 21, Pachomius was swept up against his will in a Roman army recruitment drive, a common occurrence during this period of turmoil and civil war. With several other youths, he was put onto a ship that floated down the Nile and arrived at Thebes in the evening. Here he first encountered local Christians, who customarily brought food and comfort daily to the impressed troops. This made a lasting impression, and Pachomius vowed to investigate Christianity further when he got out. He was able to leave the army without ever having to fight, was converted and baptized .

Source: Wikipedia