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Pachomius

Also: Pachomius the Great, Pakhom

Born probably between 290 and 294, probably in Latopolis (Sne), now Esna, Egypt. Died probably between 346 and 347, in Pbow (now Faw Qibli, Egypt).

A soldier from Upper Egypt who became a monk. He founded the first monasteries where monks lived together under one rule.

Wrote in Coptic. A major author.

Places lived

  1. 313 to 323Chenoboskion (Seneset), now Al-Qasr, near Nag Hammadi, Egyptconvert, then hermityears probableHe lived near the village with the old hermit Palamon.
  2. 323 to 337Tabennesi (near Nag Hammadi, Egypt)founder and abbotyears probable
  3. 337 to 346Pbow (now Faw Qibli, Egypt)abbotyears probable

Works

1 work, in the order they were written. 0 works can be read here.

How we know the dates and places
Born probable
The Lives of Pachomius (about 20 when he was taken for the army in 312 or 313)
Place of birth probable
Bohairic Life of Pachomius 3 (born in the district of Sne); the chapter number is from memory
Died probable
Bohairic Life of Pachomius 123 (14 Pashons, which is 9 May, in a plague); the chapter number is from memory
346 is the usual year. Some argue for 347.
Place of death sure
Bohairic Life of Pachomius 117 to 123; First Greek Life 114 to 116; the chapter numbers are from memory
Chenoboskion (Seneset), years probable
Bohairic Life of Pachomius 8 to 17; First Greek Life 5 and 6; the chapter numbers are from memory
Chenoboskion (Seneset), place sure
Bohairic Life of Pachomius 8 to 17; First Greek Life 5 and 6; the chapter numbers are from memory
Tabennesi, years probable
Bohairic Life of Pachomius 17 to 49; the chapter numbers are from memory
Tabennesi, place sure
Bohairic Life of Pachomius 17 to 49; the chapter numbers are from memory
Pbow, years probable
Bohairic Life of Pachomius 49 to 54; First Greek Life 54; the chapter numbers are from memory
Pbow, place sure
Bohairic Life of Pachomius 49 to 54; First Greek Life 54; the chapter numbers are from memory