The Sociopolitical and Economic Concepts of Monasticism in the 4th c. AD Byzantine Egypt and their Importance in Understanding Contemporary Monasticism

Looking at the socio-political concept of Byzantine monasticism in Egypt in the 4th cent., we understand not only the historical context but also the temporal evolution through historical continuity. We deem it necessary to give an overview of the Roman Empire and the differences between its eastern and western parts. The eastern part, the later Byzantine Empire, is characterized by four elements according to Ek. Christofilopoulou. The first is the Roman origin of the state apparatus, the second is the configuration of the economy, the third is the Greek cultural background, and the fourth is the Christian religion. About the state organization, of prime importance, is the status of Roman citizenship. In economic relations, it is worth noting the superiority of the eastern part except Italy. The eastern part had inter alia highest urban population and from the 4th century onwards it strengthened the corporate character of the urban economy. On the other hand, serfdom is a dominant reality while Constantine creates a new stable monetary system. As to the third element, the Greek cultural background, it is worth noting the contribution of Christians and ethnikoi (Gentile) scholars of the 4th century to the formation of the political ideals of the Byzantines. According to this ideal, the supreme ruler on earth, an imitator and image of God, is decorated with the highest moral virtues. The emperor must move within designated natural law and morality, the Christian teachings, and the intellectual heritage of antiquity with leading authorities on justice and charity. The latter requires overcoming social or ethnic types of discrimination. As a result of these principles, the 4^th century is characterized by a spirit of cooperation and lack of fanaticism among Christians and Gentiles.