Christian monasticism before 451

Monasticism (from the Greek word monachos meaning 'alone') is a way of life where a person lives outside of society, under religious vows that may restrict where they live, how they may travel, what relationships they may form and what, if any, property they may own. Vows may additionally describe the services or duties they are to perform, such as charitable duties to the poor.

Christian monasticism developed as a spontaneous religious movement, with individuals and groups withdrawing from society throughout the centuries. By the early 5th century, thousands of Christians had chosen to live outside of society. The Council of Chalcedon in 451 officially recognized the Christian monastic way of life, placing all monastic communities and hermits under the authority and supervision of bishops. This move restricted the freedom of movement for monastic individuals.

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