IVᵉ siècle – Vᵉ siècle
Atripe and Panopolis, Egypt
Traduction non disponible · Original (anglais) · français indisponible
Shenute was a Coptic monk and abbot of the Pachomian White Monastery at Atripe. Leading a large community of monks and nuns during the first half of the fifth century, he combined forceful preaching with practical administration and advocacy for the poor. His opposition to the Greek-speaking local aristocracy and his support for Cyril’s theology helped connect Egyptian monasticism with a broad Coptic popular movement.
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Le récit
Shenute led the White Monastery at Atripe from approximately 385 until his death in 451. The institution was exceptionally large, with more than 2,000 monks and 1,800 nuns. His authority rested not only on his position as abbot but also on a charismatic reputation that combined prophetic force with practical determination.
A Copt himself, Shenute was impatient with the failings of monks and laypeople, yet he directed his most vivid criticism toward the Greek-speaking aristocracy of nearby Panopolis. His Life records an episode in which he caused the holdings of landowners on an island in the Nile to be submerged because they were accused of charging tenants extortionate rents. The account presents him as a powerful religious figure intervening in social and economic disputes.
Shenute was strongly loyal to Cyril in the controversies surrounding Nestorius and his allies. His sermons and concern for the poor made a deep impression on Coptic communities, while his monastic organization offered peasants a recognized place within Christian society and an assurance of salvation. He therefore helped unite Cyril’s theology with a popular movement among the Coptic peasantry.
The White Monastery also became an important economic institution. Its estates were described as exceptionally large, while other monasteries likewise owned villages, retained agricultural workers, and supervised cultivation through monastic officials. Shenute’s career thus illustrates how Egyptian monasticism combined spiritual authority, social leadership, and substantial landed resources.
IVᵉ siècle – Vᵉ siècle
Atripe and Panopolis, Egypt
Traduction non disponible · Original (anglais) · français indisponible
Shenute was a Coptic monk and abbot of the Pachomian White Monastery at Atripe. Leading a large community of monks and nuns during the first half of the fifth century, he combined forceful preaching with practical administration and advocacy for the poor. His opposition to the Greek-speaking local aristocracy and his support for Cyril’s theology helped connect Egyptian monasticism with a broad Coptic popular movement.
Poursuivre l’exploration
Le récit
Shenute led the White Monastery at Atripe from approximately 385 until his death in 451. The institution was exceptionally large, with more than 2,000 monks and 1,800 nuns. His authority rested not only on his position as abbot but also on a charismatic reputation that combined prophetic force with practical determination.
A Copt himself, Shenute was impatient with the failings of monks and laypeople, yet he directed his most vivid criticism toward the Greek-speaking aristocracy of nearby Panopolis. His Life records an episode in which he caused the holdings of landowners on an island in the Nile to be submerged because they were accused of charging tenants extortionate rents. The account presents him as a powerful religious figure intervening in social and economic disputes.
Shenute was strongly loyal to Cyril in the controversies surrounding Nestorius and his allies. His sermons and concern for the poor made a deep impression on Coptic communities, while his monastic organization offered peasants a recognized place within Christian society and an assurance of salvation. He therefore helped unite Cyril’s theology with a popular movement among the Coptic peasantry.
The White Monastery also became an important economic institution. Its estates were described as exceptionally large, while other monasteries likewise owned villages, retained agricultural workers, and supervised cultivation through monastic officials. Shenute’s career thus illustrates how Egyptian monasticism combined spiritual authority, social leadership, and substantial landed resources.
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