APOPHTHEGMATA PATRUM Meaning and
Definition
-
Apophthegmata patrum, also known as the Sayings of the Fathers, is a term derived from Greek and Latin, referring to a collection of wise and pithy sayings or aphorisms attributed to the early Christian desert fathers. These fathers were ascetic monks and hermits who lived in the deserts of Egypt, Syria, and Palestine in the 3rd to 6th centuries AD.
The Apophthegmata patrum is a significant literary genre that emerged during the early Christian period and flourished in monastic communities. It consists of anecdotes and teachings from these spiritual fathers, offering moral and practical guidance to those seeking a solitary life devoted to prayer, meditation, and spiritual growth.
The sayings captured in the Apophthegmata patrum cover a wide range of topics such as humility, obedience, prayer, love, solitude, and the pursuit of virtue. They often seek to delineate the path to enlightenment and cultivate wisdom. These short and concise aphorisms are meant to be easily memorized and recalled, allowing them to serve as guides for those living a monastic life.
The Apophthegmata patrum has had a profound impact on the spirituality and religious practices of Christianity. It has been widely read and studied, not only in monastic communities but also by scholars and believers seeking spiritual insight. These sayings continue to be valued for their timeless wisdom and are regarded as an essential part of the early Christian heritage.
Etymology of APOPHTHEGMATA PATRUM
The word "apophthegmata patrum" is derived from two different sources:
1. "Apophthegmata" is a Latinized form of the Greek word "ἀποφθέγματα" (apophthegmata), which means "sayings" or "utterances". It is the plural form of "apophthegma" (ἀπόφθεγμα), which is a noun derived from the verb "apophthengomai" (ἀποφθέγγομαι), meaning "to speak out" or "to utter". In this context, "apophthegmata" refers to a collection or compilation of sayings or teachings.
2.
