Pachomius Of Tabennesis

Icon Coptic St. Pachomius

Pachomius of Tabennensis ^Life

Unlike Paul and Anthony , Pachomius is of humble origin and raised in paganism. At twenty, he was conscripted into the imperial armies. Some time later, demobilized and penniless, he was taken by Christians to Thebes. The pagan he is deeply touched by the love and attention of Christians toward those who suffer. He converted to Christianity and received the baptism. He likes to recite the following prayer: O God, creator of heaven and earth! Throw me a look of pity, deliver me from my misery; taught me the true way to make myself pleasant to your eyes. All my desire and all my attention will serve you and fulfill your holy will.

Birth of cenobitism

He retired in the wilderness and seeking religious initiation at the school of Palaemon, a hermit. Encouraged by the latter he founded a monastery with three companions. Many candidates are running. A few houses and a chapel were built, all surrounded by a wall, the monastery Tabennensis on one bank of the Nile , between the large and small Diospolis ( Thebaid ). This is a double monastery , the sister of Pachomius, Mary, founded in fact a community of women on the opposite shore . Tabennensis around, which brings together hundreds of followers, yet Pachomius founded six monasteries.

Organization

Pachomius is a good organizer. His monks are grouped - a score of members - under the direction of an officer, assisted by a second. They live under the same roof, performing the same work (tailor, tanner, scribe, farmer, etc..) Obey the clerk and observe a common agenda. Each group has its flag.

First rule cenobitic

According to tradition (or a beautiful legend ...), it receives directly from an angel a monastic rule. That did not stop to change according to circumstances and needs. But the broad outlines of monastic religious life are already there:

• intake of recruits is preceded by an examination (Pachomius loaded it himself);
• time test is required during which the candidate learns to read and write ( novice );
• the coat is uniform, the simple people of the country;
• every possession is shared;
• no monk could be a priest , and if the candidate already is it will be treated like any other;
• meals are taken communally, with days of fasting prescribed;
• oration common morning and evening. Divine service ( Opus Dei ) share Sundays and holidays;
• strict obedience to the officers group and the higher the convent, keeping Pachomius supreme.

This exemplary embodiment of community life contrasted with the appearance charismatic and disorderly hermits. She had a great impact in both East and West. In ^the fifth century , Jerome translated the rule of Pachomius into Latin.

Among the great founders

As St. Anthony was held for the teacher of the monastic and hermit, St. Pachomius is the patriarch of the Cenobites. That, at least the Latin perspective. For the Greeks, the founder of monasticism is holy hermit Chariton , whose system of lauras was refounded by St Sabas , while the founder of cenobitism is holy Theodosius Cnobiarque.

Bibliography

• Host, Raymond: Life and Death of Religious Orders, Paris, 1972.

Notes

See also

GC 2353-2358

Internal Links

• Cenobitism
• Monastery
• Monastic rule
• Late Antiquity

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