Joseph Patrich’s Book “Sabas, Leader of Palestinian Monasticism” (Second Edition)

Abstract

The second edition of Joseph Patrich’s book “Sabas, Leader of Palestinian Monasticism: A Comparative Study in Eastern Monasticism, Fourth to Seventh Centuries” was published in 2020 by Dumbarton Oaks, Trustees for Harvard University . The book is of particular interest to the Georgian reader in that among others it gives an overview of history, layout and lifestyle of the Lavra of St. Sabas which was closely linked with early Georgian monastic movement: first Georgian monks settled in the Lavra already in the beginning of the second half of the 6th century - beginning of the 7th century . In the 8th-10th centuries, prior to foundation of the Georgian Holy Cross monastery in the Nayot neighbourhood of Jerusalem, a strong community of Georgian monks lived in the Lavra of St. Sabas, where they have established a significant literary center. The volume examines the historical framework and background of St. Sabas’ life, his role as a founder of monasteries, and the contributions St. Sabas and his followers made to Palestinian monasticism. The book consists of five parts. First the author gives an overview of pre-Sabaitic monasteries and their types in Palestine. This part is followed by a historical survey concerning characteristics of Eastern monasticism. Monasteries outside Palestine, including those of Mount Nitria, Kellia and Scetis, as well as the Pachomian coenobia are discussed. Separate paragraphs are dedicated to the Syrian monasticism and Basilian coenobitism. The author discusses Justinianic legislation focused on determining the place of the monastic movement in the structure of the Church in an attempt to subordinate this movement to the latter. The following part of the book concerns St. Sabas biography and his activities. Part 2 of the volume concerns the building projects of St. Sabas and his disciples. The Great Lavra and other Sabaite monasteries, including several anchorite settlements are reviewed: a historical survey, the layout, detailed description of the main structures, water supply system, the size and ethnic composition of the community are given. The text is illustrated with plenty of photos, ground plans and cross-sections that makes the content clearer and easily understand - able. Part 3 of the volume overviews administration of Great Lavra and of other Sabaite mona - steries. Obligations of the abbot, steward and deputy are discussed. Next, economic affairs of the monasteries are reviewed such as baking of bread, carrying water, collecting firewood, cleaning, assisting cook, serving as attendants for elderly, etc. A special note should be taken of a calli - grapher: producing manuscripts was an important task in the Lavra. J. Patrich specifically addresses the issue of uprisings of the monks against St. Sabas. After reviewing the uprisings, the author agrees with Cyril of Scythopolis that the reason for them should be sought not only in dissatisfaction of the opponents with financial operations – the manner the funds were distributed, but also social differences existing in the community: on one side were the monks of noble descent, as Cyril calls them, and on the other was a rural person like St. Sabas. J. Patrich examines Sabas’ contributions to the Palestinian monasticism, focusing on his role as the founder and abbot. The final part of the book contains a brief history of theological struggles that continued after St. Sabas’ death, in which his followers played a decisive role. It is to be noted that J. Patrich’s study is largely based on the analysis of both the written sources and results of archaeological studies. This combination of written and material evidences makes it possible to draw reliable conclusions. Despite the fact that the book was written twen - ty five years ago, the study has not lost its relevance and remains beyond any competition in the field.