[citation needed] The fathers began by building the main church, monastic living quarters, the dining hall, and some guest facilities.

They also began a vegetable garden, a small vineyard, citrus orchards, and an olive grove amidst the desert landscape.

[5] "Living in a city does not prevent us from carrying out God's commandments if we are zealous, and silence and solitude are of no benefit if we are slothful and neglectful."

The monks of St. Anthony's Monastery practice Hesychasm (a mystical tradition of contemplative prayer)[7] and adhere to the cenobitic monasticism.

Of these tasks include, but are not limited to: gardening, groundskeeping, construction, vine dressing, woodworking, publishing, icon writing, food preparation, and tending to the hospitality of any guests of the monastery.