The Desert Hermits

 

OBJECTIVES:

 

1. Be able to discuss the primary settlements of desert hermits.

2. Be able to discuss the values expressed in the Sayings of the Desert Hermits.

3. Be able to respond to the study questions on the Sayings.

 

OUTLINE

 

I. Desert Settlements

A. Lower Egypt: Antony

B. Upper Egypt and cenobitic monasticism: Pachomius

C. Nitria and Scetis

i) the lavra

ii) Evagrius Ponticus, Macarius, Moses, Pambo

II. The Sayings of the Desert Hermits: Apophthegmata Patrum

A. Alphabetical Collection in Greek

B. Anonymous Collection in Greek

C. Systematic Collection by topic

D. The teachings in the Sayings:

i) Asceticism

a) bodily mortification

i) fasting

ii) poverty

iii) vigilance

b) ideas of body and soul

c) the company of others?

d) women?

e) prayer

ii) sorrow: Metanoia

iii) Control of Passions: Apatheia

iv) self-knowledge

a) work and weaving

i) weaving in various cultural traditions

b) the role of Abba

i) the Apophthegm

ii) learning vs. knowledge

v) inner quiet: Hesychasm