ST

PACHOMIUS (292-346)  , Egyptian monk, the founder of Christian cenobitical life, was born, probably in 292, at Esna in Upper Egypt, of heathen parents . He served as a conscript in one of Constantine's campaigns, and on his return became a Christian (314); he at once went to live an eremitical life near Dendera by the Nile, putting himself under the guidance of an aged hermit . After three or four years he was called (by an angel, says the legend) to establish a monastery of cenobites, or monks living in common (see MONASTICISM, § 4) . Pachomius spent his life in organizing and directing the great order he had created, which at his death included nine monasteries with some three thousand monks and a nunnery . The order was called Tabennesiot, from Tabennisi, near Dendera, the site of the first monastery . The most vivid account of the life and primitive rule is that given by Palladius in the Lausiac History, as witnessed by him (c . 410) . Difficulties arose between Pachomius and the neighbouring bishops, which had to be composed at a synod at Esna . But St Athanasius was his firm friend and visited his monastery c . 330 and at a later period . Pachomius died (probably) in 346 . The best modern work on Pachomius is by P .

Ladeuze, Le Cenobitisme pakhomien (1898) . There have been

differences of opinion in regard to the dates; those given above are Ladeuze's, now commonly accepted . The priority of the Greek Life of Pachomius over the Coptic may be said to be established; the historical character and value of this life are now fully recognized . A good analysis of all the literature is supplied in Herzog's Realencyklopadie (ed . 3) . (E . C .