Fasting and sexual abstinence in Syriac churches (east and west)

[Chris Prejean]

Hi Everyone,

I am hoping someone can point me to any sources discussing fasting and sexual abstinence in the Syriac churches (W. Syriac and Church of the East). I would be most grateful for any help.

Warm regards,

Chris PreJean

[Albocicade]

Dear Chris, 

Let me quote, in Wylie's translation, what is said of Christians (east-syrian / nestorians) in the chinese Xi'an stele :
By the rule of admission, it is the custom to apply the water of baptism, to wash aay all superficial show and to cleanse and purify the neophytes. As a seal, they hold the cross, whose influence is reflected in every direction, uniting all without distinction. As they strike the wood, the fame of their benevolence is diffused abroad ; worshiping toward the east, they hasten on the way to life and glory ; they preserve the beard to symbolize their outward actions, they shave the crown to indicate the absence of inward affections, they do not keep slaves, but put noble and mean all on an equality ; they do not amass wealth, but cast all their property into the common stock ; they fast, in order to perfect themselves by self inspection ; they submit to restraints, in order to stengthen themselves by silent watchfulness ; seven times a daythey have worship and praise for the benefit of the living and the dead ; once in seven days they sacrifice, to cleanse the heart and return tu purity.

This was "all what chinese people had to know" about christians (or at least christian monks)

Sincerely

Albocicade

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mon blog : http://cigales-eloquentes.over-blog.com/

[Robert Morehouse]

Ephrem’s Hymns and Prose work on Virginity and the Acts of Thomas come to mind immediately for earlier primary sources. The latter is particularly entertaining. 

[Peter Tarras]

Dear Chris,

both the Syrian Orthodox Yaḥyā ibn ʿAdī (d. 974) and the East Syrian Elias of Nisibis (d. 1046) have written extensive tracts in Arabic defending sexual abstinence. You might also want to consult Arthur Vööbus’ History of Asceticism in the Syrian Orient (1958).

Best,

Peter 

[Chris Prejean]

Thank you kindly too all those who were able to reply. 

[Davide Righi]

Kind Chris,

on behalf of Gianmaria Gianazza who sends you the attached file

Davide Righi

Mail priva di virus. www.avast.com

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[Chris Prejean]

Dear Davide and Gianmaria,

I want to thank you kindly for putting this together for me. It is of great use.

Warm regards and many blessings,

Chris PreJean

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