THEO 206 : Q5 Institution of Monasticsm Read-Only.docx
Document Summary
Monasticism is a way of life characterized by withdrawing from the world in order to attain personal sanctification, usually practiced in community with others. Monasticism was part of the practice of christian life in the early church, and from 310-410 ad it emerged and saw a speedy growth. Some forms of monasticism include: anchoritic/eremitic: the grouping of anchorites or hermits, cenobitic: pachomian cenobitism and basilian: the basilian community which follow the model of basil. It started toward the end of the third century in egypt, and early hermit-monks like anthony the. Great and pachomius were early monastic innovators, especially st. antony who is considered the father of monasticism. It was in egypt that the theory and practice of the ascetic life reached its highest pitch of articulateness and sophistication. From there it soon spawned around the mediterranean. In 323, pachomius founded his first community/monastery at tabennisi in upper egypt. He gave the first monastic rule and designed its organization.
