Acoemetae

The Akoimeten ( Sleepless ) was a Byzantine monk congregation who had founded around 425 in Constantinople Opel a monastery. The "non- dormant " monks sang, always in successive groups, continuous choral prayers. Within 24 hours, during which they held continually worship, they sang 490mal the " Gloria in excelsis ".

History

Provenance and origin was the ideal of ascetic homelessness, as it was aimed at the times 420-460. The monks followed consistently the word of the Gospel according to Matthew, it says here:

" Jesus answered them, The foxes have holes, and birds have nests; But the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. "

In the catchment area of Constantinople, several monasteries were established. The Akoimeten found their home in a private 425 Monastery and formed a cell church political and religious unrest. It created a center for Byzantine theology and pulses to build more monasteries.

Founded in the heart of the Akoimete to 425 by the charismatic monk Alexander ( 350 - 430 ), he built with his followers the first monastery for 300 monks. Alexander preached the literal interpretation of the Bible and referred to the Gospel according to Luke, who wrote in Chapter 18, "Jesus told them a parable, that they should pray always and not lose heart. " ( 18.1 EU). Based on this conviction, the concept of non-stop prayer and singing was born. In this 24 - hour service, the choirs of the three nations Syrians, Greeks and Latins alternated.

The third abbot followed by 448 the monk Marcellus of Apamea, who moved the main monastery closer to the capital. At this time included the Akoimeten to the most rigorous and intellectually active monastic communities in and around Constantinople Opel. The person of Marcellus, the high reputation of the monks and their spiritual and intellectual claim led to an increased inflow. Subsequently, several branches were founded monastery.

In the year 454 the Constantinople nobles had begun Studios with the construction of the famous Studio monastery, as a resident, he invited the monks Akoimeten. At the same time other monks were resident there and so grew to 457 the various monastic orders together, among whom were also Studite.

In the subsequent period up to the 6th century the Akoimeten lost their importance, their 24 -hour services were later other imitators.