Who is credited with beginning the monastic in the east?

St. Anthony the Great is credited with beginning monasticism in the East. He retreated to the desert of Egypt around the 3rd century, where he lived a life of asceticism and devotion, inspiring others to follow his example. His lifestyle and teachings laid the foundation for communal monastic life, leading to the establishment of monasteries in the region. St. Anthony's influence helped shape the early Christian monastic tradition that spread throughout the Eastern Orthodox Church.