These collections, written in both Coptic and Greek, contain primary evidence for the emergence of monasticism at this period, yet many nevertheless remain untranslated into English and, as a consequence, are overlooked as valuable source material. Collections include those written to the anchorites Apa Iohannes and Paphnoute, the correspondence of a Melitian monastery known as ‘Hathor,’ involving Apas Paieous and Nepheros, and the letters addressed to Sansnos found amongst the cartonnage fragments of the Nag Hammadi codices. Monastic letters of the fourth century constitute an important, but often neglected, body of evidence relating to early monasticism in Egypt. 'The Political and Philanthropic Role of Monastic Figures and Monasteries as Revealed in Fourth-Century Coptic and Greek Correspondence.' Pages 353-63 in Studia Patristica XCI, Volume 17: Biblica Philosophica, Theologica, Ethica Hagiographica Ascetica.

His figure adds therefore notably to the variety of the picture of Gallic ascetics in the first half of the 5th century and the theological climate in which the Augustinian controversy emerged. Eucherius’ relation to Cassian’s writings appears thus to be rather independent. These observations invite broader considerations about the intentions of both authors and their attitude towards Gallic and Egyptian monasticism. Their further analysis and an investigation into other themes reveal that Cassian’s and Eucherius’ concepts of monastic life are quite different: for Cassian, this is a harsh and constant fight against vices and demons, for Eucherius, this is a peaceful way where monks are guided by Christ and his sacraments. However, the established parallels prove to be incomplete.

A close reading of Eucherius’ De laude eremi reveals indeed that the Lerinian author borrowed from Cassian certain elements of ascetic vocabulary as well as some thematic motifs. It has been assumed that Eucherius has composed his De laude eremi in the tone of Cassian’s ascetic works. Some years later, in 428, Eucherius composed a short treatise De laude eremi, praising the monastic desert in biblical terms and relating it to the Lerinian monastery. It was to Eucherius, the future bishop of Lyon and meanwhile a member of the Lerinian community, that John Cassian dedicated his second series of Conferences (Conf.

While John Cassian and Vincent of Lérins are the best known of the so-called ‘semi-Pelagians’, there were other Gallic churchmen associated with this illustrious group.

Killing Matt Cooper by John Cassian