Brother-Making in Late Antiquity and Byzantium
Book Description
In the rich tapestry of Byzantine Christian tradition lies a fascinating ritual that modern spiritual seekers rarely encounter: adelphopoiesis, the formal ceremony of brother-making between two men. Claudia Rapp unveils this remarkable practice that flourished for over a millennium, revealing how ancient communities created sacred bonds that transcended biological family ties.
This scholarly exploration traces the evolution of a spiritual blessing that began in the contemplative world of early Christian monasteries and gradually transformed into a widespread social institution. By the ninth century, laypeople had embraced this ritual as a powerful tool for expanding their networks of kinship and mutual support, demonstrating humanity's enduring need for meaningful connection.
Rapp illuminates how this practice operated within three interconnected spheres: as a means of formalizing partnerships between men, as a strategy for creating chosen family relationships, and as a vehicle through which the Byzantine Church extended its influence over personal relationships. The author examines the tension between grassroots spiritual practice and institutional control, showing how communities adapted ancient wisdom to meet contemporary needs.
For readers interested in alternative forms of spiritual community and the historical roots of chosen family structures, this work offers profound insights into how ritual can sanctify human bonds. The book demonstrates how one society successfully integrated personal devotion with social innovation, creating lasting frameworks for spiritual brotherhood that persisted across centuries.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~10 hours)
📄 Length: 368 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Church history
- ✓ Explore Religious aspects
- ✓ Explore Christianity
- ✓ Explore Rites and ceremonies
- ✓ Explore Monastic and religious life
- ✓ Explore Byzantine empire, religion
- ✓ Explore Homosexuality
- ✓ Explore Homosexuality, religious aspects, christianity
