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→Precursors of the Christian monastic ideal
: And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day. And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy. ([[Acts of the Apostles|Acts]] 21:7-9)
[[Image:Romanian_hieromonk.jpg|right|thumb|250px|A Romanian This image from a monastery in Rumania shows the [[abbot]] (or [[igumen]] ) seated in the chair reserved for his status. He is holding the staff of his office and wearing the [[epitrachelion]] that symbolizes his priesthood as a [[hieromonkheiromonk]].]]
The monastic ideal is also modeled upon the [[Apostle Paul]], who is believed to have been [[celibacy|celibate]], and a tentmaker:
