Idiorrhythmic monasticism
Idiorrhythmic monasticismis a form of monastic life inChristianity.[1]
It was the original form of monastic life in Christianity, as exemplified bySt.Anthony of Egypt(c.250–355) and is the opposite ofcenobitic monasticismin that instead of communal ownership, themonklives alone, often in isolation.Philosophicallyit consisted of ahermit's total withdrawal from society, usually in the desert, and the constant practice of mental prayer.[2]The wordidiorrhythmiccomes from twoGreekwords,idiosfor "particular" andrhythmosfor "rule", so the word can be translated as meaning "following one's own devices".[3]
It was first developed by St.Anthony of Egypt(c.250–355) and is practised inOrthodox Christianity.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^Merriam-Webster: idiorrhythmic.
- ^"Idiorrhythmic monasticism".
- ^"Idiorrhythmic Monasticism",The Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium(Oxford University Press,1991).
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