Forms of the Religious Life and Syriac Monasticism

Monasticism developed simultaneously from the fourth century in the lands both east and west of the Euphrates. In Syria, but also on the far side of the Euphrates, some rather original and particular forms of religious life are attested, specifically the pre-monastic q_eyama movement, as well as various types of the solitary life and seclusion, of which stylitism especially stands out. Against this background of various groups of ascetics, the semi-cœnobitic model prevailed in the East Syrian environment, thanks in large part to its favoured place in the sixth-century reforms of Abraham of Kaškar. This cœnobitic trend with its variety of manifestations (international monasteries, convent-schools) became even stronger in the later political context.