Global InformationAgapetae information
In the first century of the Christian era, the Agapetae (from the Greek word ἀγαπηταί (agapetai), meaning 'beloved') were virgins who consecrated themselves to God with a vow of chastity and associated with laymen.[1]
The practice was also known as Syneisaktism (spiritual marriage).[2]
Agapetae were mainly women, although men who lived the same kind of life with deaconesses were named Agapeti (ἀγαπητοί).[3] The term is related to the Greek word ‘agape’, meaning selfless and unconditional love.[4]
- ^ Biblical Training website
- ^ Synergy Explorers website
- ^ Biblical Cyclopedia website
- ^ Learn Religions website