1. Thus we find throughout the whole of the ancient Christian East a universal cenobitic tradition, distinct from the eremitic tradition; cenobitism has its own raison d'�tre without further eremitical implications, and this due to the very reality of the fraternal communion which it incarnates and realizes. Seen in this light the abbatial function is necessary for fostering and preserving this communion.

A c�t� de cette tradition c�nobitique, se d�veloppa, au sein m�me de l'anachor�tisme, une nouvelle forme de groupements monastiques et une nouvelle forme de paternit� spirituelle.

2. Thus we find throughout the whole of the ancient Christian East a universal cenobitic tradition, distinct from the eremitic tradition; cenobitism has its own raison d'être without further eremitical implications, and this due to the very reality of the fraternal communion which it incarnates and realizes. Seen in this light the abbatial function is necessary for fostering and preserving this communion.

A côté de cette tradition cénobitique, se développa, au sein même de l'anachorétisme, une nouvelle forme de groupements monastiques et une nouvelle forme de paternité spirituelle.