A Critical Analysis of Pachomius School in the Eastern Christian Monasticism

Saint Anthony, the father of eastern Christian monasticism, is the promoter of solo monasticism. However, after him, the school of mass monasticism became popular which was founded by Pachomius. Aside from being popular, the monasticism of Pachomius has other features: developing a common constitution, the formation of monastery and presence in the community and politics. Preventing extremism, establishing a connection between church and monastery, creating a monastic theology and serving the community are of the positive aspects of this school. However in addition to positive aspects, there are some criticisms leveled at this school of thought: not being backed by the Holy book, having a military structure, changing the concepts of desert and asceticism, and the ease of entering to monastery even for unhealthy people. Using an analytical approach and a documentary survey, the present paper examines this monastic school analytically and critically. Setting the bible and tradition in Christian monasticism as the standard, this study deals with the era before Pachomius.