Abbot of the monastery. Monastery officials

Ancient abbeys are examples of ancient architecture. These are incredibly beautiful cathedrals that are actively visited by tourists today. It is noteworthy that the architecture of these monastic complexes is fraught with many mysteries for historians. They are decorated with decor, the elements of which belong to groups of occult symbols, which arouses even greater interest among both specialists and tourists. So, we will look at the meaning of the word “abbey” and the most interesting ancient monastic complexes below.

What is an abbey?

An abbey is a Catholic monastery. Catholics make up the majority of the believers in Europe and Latin America. The Catholic Church is a strict hierarchical system, headed by the Pope. And abbots occupy not the last level in this system.

In the Middle Ages, abbeys were the richest and largest monasteries. They had not only religious, but also political and economic influence on the country. So, who is an abbot?

Meaning of the word

It is the abbot (male) or abbess (female) who runs the abbey. They report directly to the bishop or even the pope.

Who is an abbot from a linguistic point of view? The origin and history of this title is very ancient. The very word "abbot" (in Latin - abbas) has Hebrew and Syriac ( abba) roots and means father. In Catholicism, this is the name given to the abbot of a Catholic monastery. Initially, in the V-VI centuries. this title was given to all abbots of monasteries, however, with the advent of various religious orders, many synonyms for the word “abbot” appeared. Thus, the Carthusians called the abbots priors, the Franciscans - guardians, and the Jesuits - rectors.

As a rule, a priest was appointed to the post of rector by a bishop or pope for a life term.

History of appearance

The emergence of religious communities dates back to the origins of Christianity. Even then, people gathered around the home of a man known for his holiness. They built houses around this place and voluntarily submitted to this man. Over time, such religious communities began to devote themselves to serving God.

This is a monastery built like a real fortified town. In addition to the monastery, the complex included multiple buildings. Stables and workshops were built here. The monks planted gardens. In general, there was everything needed for subsistence farming. Since lay people also lived in the abbey, the architecture of the monastery provided for their separation from each other.

Over time, the abbeys turned into entire complexes of buildings, which included refectories, hospitals, libraries and chapter halls in which the monks held meetings. The abbot had separate chambers. Of course, this general picture was supplemented by various details, depending on the individual charter of the order.

Since most of the monasteries were very often rebuilt as a result of battles, their original appearance is difficult to imagine. It is known that almost each order was distinguished by its own architectural style, which, alas, was sometimes not possible to recreate exactly during the restoration.

The first was called Benedictine. It was founded by Nursi in the 6th century in Italy. Already in the 8th century, Benedictine monasteries were built in many parts of Western Europe. By the beginning of the 12th century, the Benedictines had enormous power. They managed their own lands and actively built temples and churches.

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey in London is one of the most famous and ancient in the world. Its appearance has remained virtually unchanged since its discovery in 1066. Officially, Westminster Abbey is called the Collegiate Church of St. Peter. The monastery amazes with its majestic splendor, which came from time immemorial. The subtle and graceful Gothic style makes it one of the most beautiful monasteries in the world.

The history of Westminster Abbey begins in the 960-970s. The first to settle here were the Benedictine monks. They built a small monastery, but in XII, Edward the Confessor ordered it to be rebuilt, making it larger and more majestic. Westminster Abbey opened to the public in February 1066.

Since its creation, Westminster Abbey has been the main church in Great Britain. This is where the monarchs of Britain are crowned and buried. But not only monks find their final refuge in the monastery - famous subjects of the English crown, including great poets, actors, and musicians, are buried in the so-called “Poets' Corner”. In total, there are about 3,000 burials in Westminster Abbey.

Interesting fact! Some of the royal offspring were also married at the abbey. So, Prince Harry married Kate Middleton here.

Bath Abbey

The former and now Church of Saints Peter and Paul is located in Bath (a city in England). The Abbey is a perfect example of the Gothic architectural style. It is one of the largest British monasteries. Initially, the monastery was supposed to become a women's monastery - in 675, the land for the construction of the temple was given to Abbess Bertha. But later the monastery became a men's monastery.

The abbey enjoyed great influence during its heyday. Later there was an episcopal see here, which then moved to Wales. After the Reformation, the monastery, which had lost its former influence, was closed and the lands were sold.

It was only in the 16th century that a parish church was opened here. Elizabeth I ordered the restoration of this church in the Perpendicular Gothic style - this is how it should have looked originally, but at that time the abbey did not have enough funds for such a grandiose project.

Abbey of Mont Saint Michel

This abbey is called the eighth wonder of the world. Mont Saint Michel is located in France and is one of the most popular French attractions. The abbey, located on a rocky island, is surrounded on all sides by the sea, and only a dam connects it to the land. Once upon a time, only at low tide it was possible to walk to this majestic structure.

According to legend, these rocks were brought to the sea by giants. Mont Tombe, also known as Saint-Michel, was carried on the shoulders of a giant, and the second rocky hill, Tombelen, was dragged by his wife. However, they got tired and abandoned the rocks not far from the shore.

The history of this stunningly beautiful monastery begins in the 8th century. It is believed that the Archangel Michael himself appeared in a dream to Bishop Aubert, ordering him to build a monastery on the island. However, the saint had to visit the bishop twice more before he correctly interpreted his command. That is why the name of the monastery is translated as “Mount of St. Michael”.

The abbey was built slowly - it took 500 years to give it its current appearance. Today, only a few dozen people live in the monastery, but more than 3,000,000 tourists visit it every year.

Lérins Abbey

Lérins Abbey is located on the small island of Saint-Honoré (Lérins Islands). It is a complex consisting of a huge monastery and seven chapels. Today the abbey is open to tourists and bears the title of a historical monument of France.

The history of Lérins Abbey is very rich. The island remained uninhabited for a long time, as it was infested with snakes. The Romans, who ruled French soil at that time, were afraid to visit it. But in 410 the hermit Honorat of Arelat decided to settle here. He sought to find solitude, but his disciples decided to follow him, forming a small community. This is how the history of Lérins Abbey began. It was Honorat who later compiled the “Rule of the Four Fathers,” which later became the first monastic charter in France.

Lérins Abbey was attacked more than once. So, in 732 the monastery was almost completely destroyed by the Saracens. In 1047 it fell into the hands of the Spaniards. During the French Revolution, the monastery was bought by a French actress, who turned it into a guest house. But today the monastery, rebuilt by Bishop Fréjus in the nineteenth century, stands majestically on the island and welcomes tourists.

In addition to the monastery itself and the chapels, tourists can visit the museum of historical manuscripts and the cloister (courtyard).

Bellapais Abbey

The abbey is located in the village of the same name, just a few miles from Kyrenia. Today (in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) it is a dilapidated building, but some of its buildings have retained their original appearance. This structure is one of the most striking examples of ancient Gothic culture in Cyprus. Some of the decorative elements have also been preserved. Thus, tourists enjoy admiring the ancient church, decorated with frescoes, stairs and columns that have preserved their original architectural style, and the refectory (monastic dining room).

Unfortunately, very little facts are known about this monastery. It was founded by Augustinian monks who arrived from Jerusalem. In 1198, construction began on the monastery of St. Mary of the Mountain. In the 13th century, the monastery was transferred to the Order of Demonstrators, who probably built the church that has survived to this day. Because the monks wore white robes, they were informally called the "White Abbey".

Monastery of Saint Gall

This abbey is located in Switzerland, in the heart of the city of St. Gallen. Belongs to the group of the most ancient monasteries in the world. In 612, on the site of the monastery, Saint Gall built himself a cell. Later, the Benedictine abbot Othmar built a huge monastery on the site of the small cell, which very quickly began to generate income for the city through donations from wealthy parishioners. Until the 18th century it retained its original appearance. But in the 18th century, the ancient monastery complex was demolished, and a new, even larger and more majestic monastery in the Baroque style was built in its place.

The library is especially valuable on the territory of the monastery. It contains about 160,000 medieval manuscripts. The plan of St. Gall is also kept here, which is an idealized picture of a medieval monastery, painted back in the 9th century.

Abbey Maria Laach

In the Eifel mountains in Germany, on the shores of Lake Laach, there is a monastery, small, elegant and sophisticated. Founded in 1093 by a noble couple, it still retains its architectural beauty. During the construction of this monastery, several types of stone were used, as a result of which the interior of the monastery is distinguished by unique decorative elements.

Decorated with mosaics depicting floral patterns and Germanic mythology, the monastery is striking in its graceful beauty. An enclosed garden is attached to the western wing of the facade, which is surrounded by an arched gallery. Such cozy corners are called cloisters and are a distinctive feature of Romanesque monasteries.

Currently, the cathedral is open to tourists, among whom it is in great demand.

Conclusion

All of the abbeys described above are unique and incredibly valuable buildings for historians. However, tourists show even greater interest in them. After all, these are holy places filled with a special, divine atmosphere.

Which, starting from the 5th and 6th centuries, is given exclusively to the abbots of monasteries and thus becomes the title of an ecclesiastical office. The same name only with a feminine ending, abbess, from Lat. Abbatissa forms were later given to the abbess of convents. So far, only monasteries existed according to the rules established by St. Benedict (before the beginning of the 10th century), and the title of abbot was the common name of their abbots. From the 10th century. New spiritual orders began to emerge, and the monasteries of only a few of them, such as. Premonstratensians, Cistercians and Trapists were ruled by abbots, while for most of the rest the abbots were called: majores (among the Camaldulians), priors (Carthusians, Hieronymites, Dominicans, Carmelites, Augustinians, etc.), guardians (among the Franciscans) or rectors ( among the Jesuits). There were abbesses not only in the convents of the mentioned orders, but also among the nuns of the Fontevrode Order and among secular canonists. Many orders did not want to use this title out of a sense of humility. Abbots occupied different positions in relation, on the one hand, to the order, and on the other, to the monks of their monasteries subordinate to them. Eg. among the Benedictines, the abbot appointed by the convention enjoys complete independence, while among the Cistercians he is bureaucratically subordinate to the supreme council in Clairvaux. Even before the monks were included in the clergy, the abbot had the right and was obliged to monitor compliance with the order's rules, manage the monastic estates and demand unconditional obedience from the monks. The punitive power of the abbots over their monks was quite extensive; in the past, even corporal punishment was often used, and even now abbots and abbesses enjoy the right, for serious crimes, to subject their subordinates not only to temporary, but also to life imprisonment. The Benedictines appeal against the abbot's punitive sentence to the bishop or pope. Even in the 6th century, abbots were ranked among the clergy, and since the Second Council of Nicaea (757) they were given the right to ordain their monks to lower positions. All abbots belong to the prelates of the church, occupy a place in the hierarchy immediately after bishops and have the right to vote at councils. The abbesses sought the same benefits and rights, but could not receive them because women were not allowed to perform any sacred rites. They remained subordinate to the bishops of their diocese, while the abbots tried to free themselves from this subordination through privileges. The abbots of the liberated monasteries do not recognize any authority over themselves except that of the pope. Beginning from the 7th century, bishops often interfered with the rights of abbots, installed, at their own discretion, their favorites in the positions of abbots, and when these places were cleansed, they even left the abbeys behind them. Even more harmful to the dignity of this rank was the fact that in the 8th century, and especially in In the 9th century, by the favor of the kings or for reasons of necessity, it began to pass to the laity, and the Carolingians began to distribute abbeys to their adherents as a reward for their loyalty or for military merit. As a result, until the tenth century inclusive, the most important monasteries, within the hierarchy of the Roman Church, were headed, for the most part, by secular abbots or abtgraphs (Latin Abbacomites, Abbates milites), who collected for themselves the income of these spiritual institutions. In these cases, actual supervision in the monasteries was entrusted to deans and priors. In France, the title abbot was first given to abbots of monasteries. But when, according to the Concordat concluded between Pope Leo X and King Francis I, the French kings were given the right to appoint 225 Abbes comendataires for almost all French abbeys, this carefree and unemployed position prompted many young people, including younger members of noble families, to devote themselves to the clergy in order to on occasion, receive a similar sinecure. Already in the 16th century, all young people of clergy were called abbots, not excluding those who did not have the priestly rank. Their clothing consisted of a short black or purple robe with a small collar, and their hair was curled. But since only a few of the entire number of abbots could count on the fulfillment of their desire, a significant part of them began to take the place of home teachers in noble houses or penetrate families as spiritual advisers and friends of the house, and their influence too often turned out to be harmful. Therefore, in ancient French comedies, abbots play a not entirely attractive role. Some other young clergy who did not hold official positions tried to get places in higher education or gain fame as poets and writers. Only at the end of the 18th century, during the revolution , abbots disappeared from French society, and now this title is used by the French only as a form of politeness, in letters to young clergy. The French word abbot corresponds to the Italian abbate, and this title is used to address any young clergy who has not yet received priestly orders.

Encyclopedia of Brockhaus and Efron. - S.-Pb.: Brockhaus-Efron. 1890-1907 .

See what "Abbot" is in other dictionaries:

- (Italian abbate, from Hebrew ab father). 1) until the 5th century every elderly monk; from the 5th century until the revolution in France, abbots of Roman Catholic monasteries. In the 9th century, rich abbeys began to come under the jurisdiction of... Dictionary of foreign words of the Russian language

Priest, rector Dictionary of Russian synonyms. abbot noun, number of synonyms: 2 abbot (10) ... Synonym dictionary

Abbot- Abbot ♦ Abbé From the Aramaic "abba", later transferred to ecclesiastical Greek and ecclesiastical Latin, - father. Voltaire noted in this regard that the abbots should have given birth to children, then they would have at least some benefit... Perhaps, this time in... Sponville's Philosophical Dictionary

M. abat (old opat. With two opates, that is, abbots, or archimandrites) abbot of a Roman Catholic monastery; honorary title of Catholic clergyman... Modern encyclopedia

- (Latin abbas, from Aramaic abo father), 1) abbot of the Catholic monastery of the abbey (abbess). 2) The title of a French Catholic priest... Modern encyclopedia

- (Latin abbas from Aramaic or father), 1) abbot of the Catholic monastery of the abbey (abbess); 2) title of the French Catholic priest ... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

Catholics have an honorary church title, which was given to the abbots of male monasteries (in female monasteries, abbess). With the emergence of spiritual orders, the abbots of their monasteries were called differently: priors (among the Carthusians, Dominicans,... ... Historical Dictionary

ABBOT, abbot, husband. (from the Syriac abba father). Abbot of a Catholic monastery. Ushakov's explanatory dictionary. D.N. Ushakov. 1935 1940 … Ushakov's Explanatory Dictionary

ABBOT, huh, husband. 1. Abbot of a male Catholic monastery. 2. Catholic clergyman. | adj. abbey, oh, oh. Ozhegov's explanatory dictionary. S.I. Ozhegov, N.Yu. Shvedova. 1949 1992 … Ozhegov's Explanatory Dictionary

Husband. abbot (old opat. With two opates, that is, abbots, or archimandrites) abbot of a Roman Catholic monastery; honorary title of Catholic clergyman. | There was once only one title, for honor and income. Abbess, abbess. Abbatov, to him... ... Dahl's Explanatory Dictionary

Books

• Manon Lescaut, Abbé Prévost, Moscow-Leningrad, 1932. Publishing house Academia. Publisher's binding. The condition is good. The novel Manon Lescaut by Abbé Prévost is the best example of French fiction of the 18th century.… Category: Classic and modern prose Series: Treasures of World Literature Publisher: Academia,
• Abbot Prevost. Manon Lescaut. Choderlos de Laclos. Dangerous Liaisons, Abbé Prevost. Choderlos de Laclos, Without dust jacket. The book contains two masterpieces of French prose of the 18th century, which are brought together by the fact that each of the writers (Abbé Prévost and Choderlos de Laclos) became famous as the author... Category:

In Christendom there is an orderly system of titles and orders that divide the clergy into certain categories. Such a hierarchy is needed in order to avoid chaos and confusion, because, despite the common goal of all followers of Christ (preaching the word of God), someone still has to lead the rest.

Therefore, let's consider such a Catholic rank as the abbot of a monastery. After all, despite the fact that today this title is rarely used among the clergy, in the old days everything was completely different. But let's talk about everything in order.

So, in order to understand what an abbot is, you need to go to the beginning of the 5th century. In those distant times, when the first Catholic monasteries were just appearing in Europe. Naturally, along with this, there had to be someone who would take on the role of a mentor, capable of not only managing the life of the community, but also establishing contacts with the rest of the world.

It was during this period that the first abbot of a small monastery appeared, appointed by the Pope himself. A little later, at a general meeting of the clergy, this rank was officially approved, and from now on all abbots of monasteries received the same title.

What is an abbot in the Catholic hierarchy of that time?

It should be noted that from the 5th to the 8th century the abbot was the main manager of the monastery. His power allowed him to make many decisions related to the internal politics of the monastery. The abbot submitted to the bishop, and also, like any Catholic priest, to the Pope. Although there were also autonomous monasteries, whose abbots carried out only the instructions of the Pope.

Over the years, the power of the abbots increased rapidly and allowed them to influence the decisions of local land stewards. Moreover, some abbots themselves were landowners, since the Catholic Church granted them their own plots, naturally, for the needs of the monastery.

Changes in order with the coming to power of the Carolingians

The turning point was the rise to power of Charles Martel. In the period from the VIII to the X centuries. the management of the monasteries passed into the hands not so much of the clergy as of adherents of the power of the kings. If you understand what an abbot of those times was, then in most cases he was a vassal of the ruler who had proven himself in battle.

Such appointments to the position of abbot were a kind of incentives or payments. At the same time, the managers of the monasteries themselves did not really want to listen to the orders of the bishops, which clearly did not suit the latter.

Who is the abbot today?

Carolingian rule collapsed, after which power passed back into the hands of the Catholic Church. And although such castlings often took place in history, the position of the abbots did not change much as a result. As before, they were ordinary monastery stewards, subject to the orders of the bishops.

However, starting from the 16th century in France, all young men who were ordained to the church began to be called abbots. Moreover, most of them did not even have spiritual titles.

Given this increase in the number of abbots, their importance for the church fell sharply. Therefore, many of them began to work as ordinary teachers, teaching in theological schools or houses of the nobility.

But what is an abbot today? Nowadays this word is extremely rarely used both in the secular and spiritual life of Catholics. The title of abbot is rather a tribute to the past than a full title.

Have we told you everything about the Cluny monks? At first glance, yes. And yet this is not so. We have so far only imagined the lifestyle of simple monks. It remains to observe the lives of those who had various titles and made up the “cadres” of the monastery. This observation is very useful not only in order to penetrate the secrets of monastic life, but also in order to imagine the life of that era as a whole.

Abbot and Grand Prior

In place and honor. Any more or less significant monastery was ruled by an abbot. In this case it was called an abbey. In those places where there were few monks, sometimes only a few people, the head was a prior, or abbot, and this was called a priory. This word does not come from the French verb “to pray” (prier), but from the Latin word prior - “first”.

In Cluny itself, as well as in the most significant monasteries that depended on him, the abbot was often absent on duty, inspecting the monasteries under his charge or doing something else, and had as his deputy a “grand prior”, to whom, in the absence of the abbot, his rights were transferred not only internally monastery, but also in relation to everything that happens in the surrounding area. Since the burden of his duties was very great, there was also a “dean” who specialized more in the economic issues of monastic life, that is, he managed the local lands of the monastery. Finally, the maintenance of internal discipline, in other words, the supervision of the monks, was carried out by the “monastery prior,” whose very title clearly shows that his competence did not extend beyond the perimeter of the walls of the monastery.

In addition to these people who personified the central power, there were also monks who held special “positions.” They are the ones that are most interesting to us.

In fiction, especially Western European literature, characters called abbots are often mentioned. From the context it is clear that they are ministers of the church. But what rank do they occupy? Who is the abbot? Is this a monk or a priest? What is his place in the church hierarchy? Is there any equivalent to this title in other Christian denominations? Can women be abbots? You will find out by reading our article. But to fully understand who the abbot is, you need to know church history.

Etymology of the term "abbot"

This word has Aramaic roots, but translated into Latin. “Abo” means nothing more than father. In early Christianity, when people devoted themselves to God, they grouped around a wise and experienced member of the community, who instructed them in teaching, fasting and other monastic rules.

According to what Christ said in Matthew (12:50) and Mark (3:35) about spiritual kinship, those who took vows to the Lord entered into a new family. For them, the eldest member of the community became the father. With the development of Christianity in the Roman Empire, this Aramaic word was directly copied into Latin. Abbas, or abbatic, has not lost its meaning.

It should be said about the specifics of the monastic life of the early church. In the first centuries there were no monasteries in the modern sense of the word. Christians lived in cities, in ordinary houses. It is to them that Paul and the other apostles address their Epistles. Then Christians began to seek solitude from the worldly away from populated areas. They began to build monasteries in desert areas. And in this case, the head of the community is the Elder, called the Father.

Kinovia and monasteries

The title of Elder among hermit monks remained for quite a long time. But the papal power of Rome in Western Europe tried to subjugate Christian communities to itself, to build a certain vertical of power. Monks in the wastelands began to be required to settle in communal monasteries.

From the sixth century, the Benedictine Rule began to be introduced, which regulated monastic life. According to the new rules, the head of the religious house was dominus et abbas - master and father. His responsibilities included taking care of the material well-being of the monastery, as well as caring for the salvation of the souls of the other brothers. Thus, an abbot is the abbot of a monastery. In Orthodoxy, the rank of abbot corresponds to him. The abbot was elected for a life term by the brothers, but the bishop had to confirm him in office.

Titles of abbots

Since the 10th century, new orders began to emerge. But not in all of them the abbots were called abbots, but only among the Trappists, Cistercians and Premonstrants. In other orders of the Catholic Church, monasteries were headed by priors (Dominicans, Carthusians, Carmelites, Augustinians, Hieronymites and others), majores (Camaldules), guardians (Franciscans), rectors (Jesuits), commanders (Templars).

The title of abbot also acquired feminine characteristics. The abbess of women's monasteries, nuns were called “mothers,” which was an analogue of “fathers” in male religious communities. But with the transformation of this word into a Catholic church title, they began to be called abbesses. In Orthodoxy, the abbess of a convent is called abbess. It should be said that many orders refused the title “abbot” due to the vow of humility. After all, the words dominus et abbas were already inseparable in the title of the rank.

Is an abbot a monk or a priest?

It remains to be determined whether the abbot of the monastery has the right to perform the liturgy. After all, not all monks who have taken monastic vows can perform the rite of transubstantiation, that is, “transform” bread and wine into the flesh and blood of Christ. For a long time, this sacrament was not part of the dogma in churches. A simple blessing and breaking of bread was practiced in memory of the Lord's Last Supper. Therefore, this ritual was performed by the elder of the religious house - a simple monk who enjoyed authority among his brothers.

But the councils of Rome (in 826), Poitiers (1078) and Vienne (1312) established that the abbots of monasteries must be ordained to the priesthood in order to perform the rite of transubstantiation. Since women are prohibited from doing this by the Catholic and Orthodox churches, abbesses remain nuns and are subordinate to bishops. At the same time, men's monasteries, especially large ones, for example, Clairvaux, fought for independence from territorial church authorities. They were only subordinate to the Pope.

Abbots in France

In this country, the title has its own characteristics. The fact is that in 1516, Pope Leo X and King Francis of France entered into an agreement according to which the secular government has the right to appoint 225 abbots of monasteries.

The new position was called Abbes comendataires. It could be occupied by nobles who did not have priestly rank, to whom the king simply granted this sinecure for some merit. This prompted many younger sons of noble families to accept clergy. Not all of them achieved what they wanted. But those who, while waiting for a sinecure, worked as spiritual mentors and teachers in the houses of wealthy aristocrats were also called abbots. After the Great French Revolution, the institution of secular superiors was abolished. Now all priests are respectfully called abbots in France.