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 was practised at Mount Athos, Greece until 1992. [4]
See also
References
- ^ Merriam-Webster: idiorrhythmic.
- ^ "Idiorrhythmic monasticism".
- ^ "Idiorrhythmic Monasticism", The Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium ( Oxford University Press, 1991).
- ^ "Mount Athos Today".
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