St. Pachomius

St. Pachomius was born in Egypt. Although he was not born into a Christian family, he converted after leaving the military around 313. With the help of hermits, he founded a community of monks and made a rule for the monks in 320. By the time St. Pachomius died, about 3,000 monks and nuns lived in monasteries and convents under St. Pachomius’ rule. Along with St. Benedict and others, St. Pachomius is considered a great innovator in the church.