Cassian
Cassian was a Christian monk and theologian likely born in Rome, who played a significant role in the development of monastic life in Western Europe during the early 5th century. After initially settling in a monastery in Bethlehem, he was drawn to the ascetic practices of Egyptian monks, which deeply influenced his later works. Around 399 CE, he was ordained a deacon in Constantinople by Saint John Chrysostom and later became a priest in Rome. Cassian founded the monastery of Saint-Victor in Marseille around 415 CE, where he served as abbot until his death.
His writings include "De institutis coenobiorum" (The Institutes of the Coenobia), which regulated monastic life, and "Conlationes" (The Conferences), which are dialogues with desert fathers that significantly shaped Western monasticism. Cassian also addressed theological debates of his time, notably critiquing Nestorius in his work "De incarnatione comini." His theological stance on grace, attempting a balance between Saint Augustine and Pelagius, led to accusations of semi-Pelagianism, which were officially condemned later. Despite his influential contributions, Cassian was never canonized in the West. His legacy endures, particularly through the influence he had on Saint Benedict, who incorporated Cassian's writings into his monastic rule.
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Cassian
Related civilizations: Imperial Rome, medieval Europe
Major role/position: Monk, theologian
Life
Probably of Roman birth, Cassian (KASH-ee-ahn) first settled in a monastery in Bethlehem but later was attracted to the more rigorous religious pursuits of Egyptian monks. Around 399 c.e., he went to Constantinople, where he was ordained a deacon by the patriarch, Saint John Chrysostom. A few years later, after Chrysostom had been deposed, Cassian went to plead his case before the pope. While in Rome, he was ordained a priest. He subsequently founded a convent and a monastery, Saint-Victor, in Marseille around 415 c.e. He remained abbot of the monastery until his death.
Between 419 and 426 c.e., Cassian wrote his monastic work De institutis coenobiorum (419-426 c.e.; The Institutes of the Coenobia, 1894), a treatise designed to regulate the monastic life. Between 426 and 428 c.e., he wrote his influential Conlationes (426-428; The Conferences, 1894), dialogues of the desert fathers in Egypt. In 430 c.e., Cassian wrote De incarnatione comini contra Nestorium (430 c.e.; The Incarnation of the Lord, 1894), a theological treatise directed against the heretic Nestorius and his followers.
On the theological issue of grace, Cassian tried to follow a middle position between those of Saint Augustine and Pelagius. As a result, he was later accused of semi-Pelagianism. This doctrine was formally condemned at the Second Council of Orange in 529 c.e. Because of the charge of semi-Pelagianism, Cassian has never been officially canonized in the West.
Influence
Cassian introduced Western Europe to many of the monastic forms of the East. Saint Benedict of Nursia found inspiration in his The Conferences and directed in his Benedictine Rule that it be read daily in monasteries.
Bibliography
Cassian. John Cassian, “The Conferences.” Translated by Boniface Ramsey. New York: Paulist Press, 1997.
Cassian. John Cassian, “The Institutes.” Translated by Boniface Ramsey. New York: Newman Press, 2000.
Chadwick, Owen. John Cassian. 2d ed. London: Cambridge University Press, 1968.
Stewart, Columbia. Cassian the Monk. Oxford, England: University Press, 1998.