Popular name for the members of various orders under the patronage of Saint Anthony or professing to follow his rule. The original society was founded in the 4th century by Saint Anthony. There are now four important orders so known:
Maronite Congregation of Aleppo, or Aleppines, founded in 1695, having in 1910,10 convents, 8 hospices, 75 priests, and 45 lay brothers;
Maronites of the Baladite Congregation, founded in 1695, having in 1910,31 convents, 27 hospices, 400 priests, and 300 lay brothers;
Maronites of the Congregation of Saint Isaias, founded in 1700, having in 1925,22 convents, 9 residences, 20 parishes, 12 hospices, 15 schools, 150 priests, and 100 lay brothers;