1. The early Christian church
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2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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)