Cenobitic monasticism

Koinobitentum designated a monastic life, in which the dispossessed monks " lived together under one roof " (Greek: koinos bios, also koinos Bion ) were separated by a wall and from the outside world. The line took over an archimandrite or abbot, who supervised one or more community centers.

Origin and History

Koinobitentum (also cenobitical, Coenobitentum ), in contrast to the eremitic (see also anchorites ), is the name for a form of monastic community. In the monasticism of the Orthodox Churches, for example, on the peninsula of Mount Athos Monastery ( Northern Greece), was also produced these life forms. The first cenobitic monastic rule from the first half of the 4th century, probably originated from St. Pachomius ( 292-346 order ) and was written in the Coptic language. Pachomius came from the military profession, so it is probable that its rules are reminiscent of strict military rules. The rules continue to put unconditional obedience, possessions and inclusion firmly into the daily routine. At the time of Pachomius caused to the large Nilbogen ( Upper Egypt ) in Tabennisi, according to its pattern, eleven monasteries, developed a strong economic power.

In the Eastern churches themselves ( † after 377) a shift to the economic power exercised the cenobitic monasteries developed in Armenia under Bishop Eustathius of Sebaste. In charge was also Archbishop Basil of Caesarae ( Cappadocia ) ( 330-379 ), which shifted the focus of the monk working on the pastoral care, nursing and childcare. This newly developed form of life took over Ambrose ( 339-397 ) for his diocese of Milan. At the Council of Chalcedon ( 451), it was decided that the monasteries are subordinated to the local dioceses. Thus, the bishops had the right to in their jurisdictions to establish monasteries, at the same time they were in charge. In contrast to the Western Eastern monasticism by the nobles was supported financially and politically. John Cassian (c. 360-435 ) had met on his trip to Egypt and founded the monasteries in southern Gaul, the first monasteries, this was also a monastery in Marseille, a so-called double monastery. From Benedict of Nursia ( 480-529 order ) then became the Koinobitentum to the classical model monastery, he combined in his monastic rules the eastern and western elements.

Form of life

The monks lived a lifetime in a close community and in enclosed and screened in a residential installation. Each monk had to renounce to own property of any kind, according to the rules Pachomioses. The living quarters were located in a complex that was surrounded by a wall - today we call this monastery. It was prescribed a uniform way of life, all occupants wore the same clothes, received the same diet and regulated their daily lives. The daily routine was passed through worship and work which were repeated at regular intervals. In Orthodox monasteries, the line was taken over by an archimandrite and later in the Roman convents oriented by an abbot. Corporal punishment was a part of the punishment and education. The monastic community had the possession and put the living conditions safe, this included food, shelter and clothing. Among the possessions of the monasteries included lands, forest areas and workshops as well as buildings, works of art and libraries.