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| Chapter XVII. Of those who introduced the plan that the holy Lessons should be read in the Cœnobia while the brethren are eating, and of the strict silence which is kept among the Egyptians.
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Chapter XVII.
Of those who introduced the plan that the holy Lessons
should be read in the Cœnobia while the brethren are eating, and
of the strict silence which is kept among the Egyptians.
But we have been informed
that the plan that, while the brethren are eating, the holy lessons
should be read in the Cœnobia did not originate in the Egyptian
system but in the Cappadocian. And there is no doubt that they meant to
establish it not so much for the sake of the spiritual exercise as for
the sake of putting a stop to unnecessary and idle conversation, and
especially discussions, which so often arise at meals; since they saw
that these could not be prevented among them in any other way.773
| 773 It is quite in
keeping with what is here said by Cassian that in the Rule of Pachomius
there is no mention of reading at meals, but only of the strict silence
observed, so that anything wanted might not be asked for but only
indicated by a sign (cc. xxxi., xxxiii.), while in the shorter Monastic
Rules of S. Basil the custom of reading at meals is distinctly alluded
to (Q. clxxx.). It is of course also ordered in most of the later
monastic rules, e.g. that of Cesarius of Arles “ad
Monachos” c. xlix., “ad Virgines” c. xvi.; that of S.
Aurelian, c. xlix.; S. Isidore, c. x., and S. Benedict, c. xxxviii. The
regulations in the last mentioned are as follows:—“A book
should be read in the Refectory while the brethren are at meals. Let no
one presume to read of his own accord; but let there be one appointed
to perform that duty, who, commencing on Sunday, will read during the
entire week…Profound silence shall be observed during meals, so
that no voice save that of the reader may be heard. The brethren will
so help each other to what is necessary as regards food and drink that
no one may have occasion to ask for anything; should, however, anything
be wanted, let it be asked for by sign rather than word. Let no one
presume to make any observation either on what is being read or on any
other subject, lest occasion be given to the enemy. The Prior, however,
should he think fit, may say a few words to edify the
brethren.” | For among the Egyptians and especially
those of Tabenna so strict a silence is observed by all that when so
large a number of the brethren has sat down together to a meal, no one
ventures to talk even in a low tone except the dean, who however if he
sees that anything is wanted to be put on or taken off the table,
signifies it by a sign rather than a word. And while they are eating,
the rule of this silence is so strictly kept that with their hoods
drawn down over their eyelids (to prevent their roving looks having the
opportunity of wandering inquisitively) they can see nothing except the
table, and the food that is put on it, and which they take from it; so
that no one notices what another is eating.774
| 774 So Pachomius (c.
xxix.). While they are eating they shall sit in their right places and
shall cover their heads. | E.C.F. INDEX & SEARCH
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