Monks, Bishops, and the Spiritual Guidance in Gazan Monasticism
Monks, Bishops, and the Spiritual Guidance in Gazan Monasticism

Summary/Abstract: In this paper we will examine the theme of spiritual authority in Gazan monasticism.More exactly, we talk about the relationship between ascetic authority (assumed bymonks) and spiritual authority (assumed by bishops and priests). In this sense, wemake two general arguments. First, the body played a key role in defi ning holinessof the monk because it was viewed as a vehicle for spiritual progress. Second, thereis a strong connection between askesis, theosis, and spiritual authority. In otherwords, if the ascetic life generated the holiness then the holiness generated thespiritual authority. Our conclusion is that monks and bishops were great examples ofholiness, and this perspective they played the fundamental role of spiritual guides inGazan monasticism.

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