22. Evergetis - Dumbarton Oaks

ELEVENTH CENTURY
wiping out the distinctions of rank observed in (9) Galesios [130] and endorsing (3) Theodore
Studites [12].
7. Servants Not Permitted
In accord with (3) Theodore Studites [4] but unlike (19) Attaleiates [42], Evergetian monks were
not allowed [24] to have servants.
8. Diet
Fasts and vigils were to be regulated [8] principally by the synaxarion, that is, the liturgical typikon.
The second part of that document contains detailed prescriptions for the dietary regime for the
Lent and the other fasts of the ecclesiastical year. However, there is a considerable amount of
dietary regulation [10] for fasts in the founder’s typikon as well. Generally, (22) Evergetis prescribes
more leniently than the somewhat earlier (20) Black Mountain and certainly the later (43)
Kasoulon. Overall, reform monasteries of the twelfth century followed Evergetis’ example of
relative leniency, especially the imperial foundations represented by (27) Kecharitomene and (28)
Pantokrator, though (30) Phoberos, usually a close copier of (22) Evergetis in most matters, is
stricter in many dietary provisions.
9. Bathing
Perhaps as a bow to an increasing concern with providing for the needs of sick and elderly monks,
a bath is provided [28] in the monastery. As originally written, the relevant passage of the typikon
allowed only the sick to use it, but it appears that this was changed later to permit healthy monks
to bathe three times a year and at the discretion of the superior. This is the first bathing facility to
be attested in the monastic foundation documents.
10. Care of Sick Monks
A cell provided with eight beds and staffed by two orderlies was to be set aside [41] as an infirmary
for monks who might fall sick. If a doctor was available, he was to call on the brothers daily.
11. Burial
Unlike some later documents, e.g., (27) Kecharitomene [70], there are no elaborate provisions for
the burial of the foundation’s monks, but a priest is assigned [36] to take care of burials, and the
departed were to be commemorated liturgically.
B. Constitutional Matters
1. Independent and Self-Governing Status
The typikon revives [12] (without attribution) the concept of the free (eleuthera), independent
(autodespotos), and self-governing (idiodespotos) monastery first seen in (13) Ath. Typikon [12],
thereby establishing a model and new standard of institutional autonomy for generations of founders
to come. 32 This status is said to have dated from the period of Evergetis’ foundation, guaranteed
by chrysobulls of “emperors of everlasting memory,” presumably including Constantine IX
Monomachos, otherwise known as a protector of certain monasteries. 33 Evergetis’ independent
status was held to make it exempt from subordination to any individual, public or private, and, by
implication, from participation in the charistike.
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