Spiritual Talk: Monasticism, a Life in Exile.

On the evening of Tuesday the 26th of August, the St George Bible Study group was blessed to be joined by Wissam Abwi for a talk on Monasticism, a life in exile. It was an enriching talk that explored the development of monastic life from its beginnings in the 4th century through to the present day.

Wissam explained that monasticism arose after the legalisation of Christianity under Constantine. With the end of persecution, Christians no longer had the witness of martyrdom through blood; instead, monasticism became a new form of “white martyrdom”, a dying to self and the passions. St Anthony the Great, regarded as the father of monasticism, inspired generations through his life, preserved for us by St Athanasius.

The talk highlighted how monasticism spread rapidly across the Christian world: from Egypt with St Pachomius and St Mary of Egypt, into Europe with St John Cassian and St Jerome. By the Byzantine era, Mount Athos had become a great spiritual centre for monks and shaped church life and spirituality.

Wissam emphasised that monasticism is not separate from the Church but its heartbeat. Monastic saints were often the great theologians and defenders of the faith, their purity of heart granting clarity of vision. Even today, contemporary elders such as St Paisios and Elder Ephraim of Arizona continue to inspire the faithful, planting monastic communities that shape entire nations.

It was a truly edifying talk that reminded us that while we may not all be monks, we are each called to embrace the spirit of monasticism: to seek holiness, to die to ourselves, and to live with Christ at the centre. A warm thank you to Wissam for sharing this inspiring reflection with us!