The early Christian church 8-3

Organization – Early Church Archbishop Leader of the Bishopric Bishop Group of parishes: bishoprics Priests Led local Christian communities called parishes Church was: Center of social life 4 Bishops held special positions Rome, Jerusalem, Alexandria, and Antioch Founded by the original apostles

Bishop of Rome Founded by Peter “given the keys to the kingdom of heaven” First Apostle First bishop of Rome Later bishops were seen as Peter’s successor Pope (Latin for papa “Father”) was name given to these bishops Western Christians accepted this, but was unsure how much power to give the pope Gregory I – strengthen the church Created the papal states

Monastic life Prayer Manual labor for several hours a day Monk – Cut off from society to pursue an ideal of total dedication to god Very popular – started living together Benedict wrote a set of rules Benedictive rule was used by many monastic groups Day for a monk Prayer Manual labor for several hours a day Idleness was “the enemy of the soul” Private meditation and readings Meet 7 times a day for prayer and chanting of psalms

Monastic life Ruled by an abbot (father) Self sustaining community Complete authority over the monastery Unquestioning obedience to the will of the abbot by each monk Self sustaining community Monks took a vow of poverty Social workers of their communities School for the young Hospitality for travelers Hospitals for the sick

Monastic life 9th Century Nuns Copying of manuscripts Scriptorium – writing room Bible, Latin classical authors Parchment or sheepskin, bound in covers decorated with jewels and precious metals Many sources survived because of monks Nuns Lived in convents Headed by abbesses (usually belonged to royal houses)