From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Idiorrhythmic monasticism is a form of monastic life in Christianity. [1]

It was the original form of monastic life in Christianity, as exemplified by St. Anthony of Egypt ( c. 250–355) and is the opposite of cenobitic monasticism in that instead of communal ownership, the monk lives alone, often in isolation. Philosophically it consisted of a hermit's total withdrawal from society, usually in the desert, and the constant practice of mental prayer. [2] The word idiorrhythmic comes from two Greek words, idios for "particular" and rhythmos for "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 in Orthodox Christianity.

See also

References