Christian Monasticism Before 451
Eastern Christian monasticism developed for around a century and a half, and as a spontaneous religious movement, up to the time of the Council of Chalcedon, which took place in 451. At that Council, monasticism had become an acknowledged part of the life of the Christian Church, and it was specially legislated for.
Read more about Christian Monasticism Before 451: Origins, The Hermit Life, The Collective Life, Schenoudi, Spread, Antioch, Basil, Later Developments
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