Coptic Culture
Christian Teachings and Thought, Part VII
by Ed Rizkalla
Among the Christian teachings treasured by the Copts are the history and lives of the Desert Fathers, who followed in the footsteps of Saint Anthony the Great. One of the ancient sources narrating the lives of the Desert Fathers is the “Lausiac History” written by Palladius (363- c 430) AD). Palladius was born in Galatia. He travelled to Egypt, and practiced asceticism among the monks of Nitria for eight years. Palladius was appointed as bishop for Helenpolis and later on as bishop for Aspuna. He wrote the Greek “Lausiac History” around 420AD. A detailed review of the “Lausiac History” is beyond the scope of this article. The Coptic version of that history, the “Coptic Palladiana”, shows similarities to the Greek version; however it also differs in some respects (1). Some scholars tend to think that the “Coptic Palladiana” could be an earlier version of the “Lausiac History” written during the years he spent among the monks of Nitria.
The Greek “Lausiac History” and “Coptic Palladiana” narrate the spiritual struggles of several Desert Fathers, the vast majority of whom were Copts who embraced the monastic way of life. As these stories narrate the lives of Coptic monks living in the Egyptian desert, some reflect Coptic culture, norms, values, and the influence of Christian teachings and thought. In this article, the writer, with the grace of Christ the Lord, shall explore the story of Saint Macarius of Alexandria, a.k.a. Macarius the Younger (d 395AD). Vivian notes that the “Coptic Palladiana” though truncated at the beginning, expands beyond the Greek “Lausiac History”. Both versions taken together give a better picture of his life. Palladius writes in his Greek version that he met Macarius. He also indicates that he witnessed some of the events during his stay at Nitria.
Macarius is indicated to have been “a world-famous mime” or “a vendor of confectionaries”. He became a monk and lived for a long time at Scetis. He was reputed for achieving many virtues and performing miracles. Vivian (1) notes “Not surprisingly, Macarius desired to be perfect…Every ascetic practice that I had undertaken I had successfully completed.” Vivian further notes “Macarius’ deep asceticism is tempered by and inseparable from awe and compassion. The “mysteries”, sacraments, are exactly that, a mystery.” After a long ascetic life at Scetis, Macarius heard of the monks of the monastery at Tabennesi, in Upper Egypt, under Pachomius, and desired to learn about their practices. He pretended to be a peasant, and travelled to Upper Egypt, walking in the desert for 15 days.
On meeting Pachomius, he asked him to join as a novice monk. However, Pachomius, having not seen him before and noting his old age, attempted to persuade him that ascetic life might be difficult. Ultimately Pachomius reluctantly accepted him. It was the time to observe Lent and different monks practiced varying degrees of asceticism. The following is an excerpt from his visit to Tabennesi: “Abba Macarius went and soaked his palm branches in water…He stood in a corner of his cell…until the 40 days were over…each Sunday he would take some cabbage leaves and eat them in front of the brothers so they know that he was eating…He did not speak with anybody nor did he open his mouth at all but stood in silence, praying in his heart while working with the palm branches…When Abba Pachomius heard the kind of ascetic practices Abba Macarius was doing, he prayed to God to reveal to him the truth…God revealed to him that this was Abba Macarius the Alexandrian who lived in Scetis. And the leader of the monastery took the old man’s hand and led him into the midst of the area…so the whole crowd of brother might see him, and said to him, “Come here venerable sir. Are you Abba Macarius? You have hidden yourself from us. How long I have heard about you and have wished to see you! But I give thanks to you because you have edified all of us and taught the young brothers not to be vain about ascetic practices… Go home in peace…And pray for us.”
The excerpts cited above help shed light on several aspects of the ancient Egyptian culture, norms, values, and the influence of Christian teachings and thought. Based on eye witness accounts, the excerpts illustrate several ancient Egyptian cultural attributes exhibited by the Christian Egyptians, the Copts of the4th century AD, namely 1) Respect for education, knowledge, love of wisdom and a predisposition for excellence, 2) A “can-do” approach to life, and 3) A sunny disposition and joy of life.
It is of utmost importance however, not to lose sight of the spiritual dimensions of the story, and more importantly to recognize the fact that Christ is the ONE who grants victory. Though Macarius was already a well reputed ascetic he did not rest on his laurels. He was eager to learn the new practices of the Pachomian monks. Macarius was full of the joy of life, and didn’t let his old age discourage him. He further demonstrated a “can-do” attitude and travelled on foot for 15 days in the desert to Upper Egypt to learn the Pachomian practices. With a healthy competitive disposition for excellence, Macarius learned the new ascetic practices and surpassed the Pachomian monks. Macarius desired to learn new practices after a life of learning and achievements, and Pachomius prayed to God for discernment after a long spiritual journey. Thus Christian teachings and thought further enhanced and invigorated the ancient Egyptians’ cultural respect for education, knowledge, love of wisdom. Christian teachings and thought exhorted the believers to pray and earnestly seek “discernment”.
In our day and age a lot of information and expert opinions are available. However, it is more often than not that individuals, societies, and decision makers face information overload. Expert views and opinions usually help however at times they offer contradictory advice. Wisdom and discernment continue to be some of the most sought after attributes to help individuals, societies, and organizations steer to the right course.
The peace of the Lord be with you all. Irene Passe.
References:
(1) Four Desert Fathers: Pambo, Eavagrius, Macarius of Egypt, and Macarius of Alexandria. Coptic Texts Relating to the Lausiac History of Palladius translated by Tim Vivian, with assistance by Rowan A. Greer, and preface by Adalbert De Vogue, St Vladimir’s Seminary Press, Crestwood, NY, 2004.
Acknowledgement: The writer would like to acknowledge and thank the staff of the Library of Congress, Washington, DC, for their assistance with research for background material for this article.
Ed Rizkalla is a management consultant and freelance writer. He is the founder of Pharos on the Potomac Group (POPG), a non-profit organization at Annandale, VA.