The Church and monasticism: their role and development

he role of the Church was multifaceted and particularly important throughout the entire course of Byzantine history. Its contribution in the cultural and intellectual field is, of course, unquestionable, but what is worth noting in the late Byzantine period is the strong and marking presence and the prominent role of monasticism. The immense influence exerted on the ecclesiastical, political and intellectual life of Byzantium by the hesychast movement, for instance, is well known, as are the controversies and disputes stirred up by its ideas.

In referring to the contribution of monasticism, we must not fail to mention the great number of fiscal and legal documents preserved in monasteries. Although these documents are mainly concerned with the property of the monastery itself, they often constitute valuable sources for the study not only of ecclesiastical but also of secular society and economy in the late Byzantine period.

Despite the fact that the monasteries of Byzantium went through severe trials and tribulations, as much during the period of Latin rule as during the years of the union of the Churches, monasticism managed not only to survive, but also to flourish and to prosper intellectually and materially, as new monasteries were founded, old ones were restored and many grants, both in land and in privileges, were made to them.

In the late Byzantine period, a particular trend towards decentralisation in the administration of the monasteries may also be noted. This is proven by the founding of an increasing number of monasteries that were independent of the local bishop. These monasteries were stauropegial, that is they were under the direct jurisdiction of the Patriarch. At the same time, moreover, entire monastic communities emerged or consolidated their position.