Dorotheos (Dorotheus) of Gaza (505 – 565 CE) was a Christian monk and abbot who chose to live in the Gaza desert, south of Jerusalem. After the “official” formation of the Christian Church in the 400s, not everyone agreed on what practices and beliefs to follow. Disagreements arose about interpreting every aspect of Jesus’ birth, life, teachings, and death. The only thing all Christians agree on (even today) is Jesus’ resurrection! The numerous arguments resulted in splits that eventually created the Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and currently over 1600 Protestant branches.

One common practice during this time of tension and disagreement in the Church was to live simple lives in the desert. Monasteries were formed by and for both men and women. Monastic communities developed practices centered on growing closer to God without “distractions.”  Obedience and silence became the heart of existence as monks and nuns went about their daily practice of meeting for worship five times a day to pray (chant) all 150 Psalms. Tending to the necessities of acquiring and preparing food, personal hygiene, and shelter were secondary, yet frequently also done in silence.

Dorotheos founded his monastery in Gaza around 540 CE and became abbot or head of the sanctuary. His teachings and advice were very practical, following a strict logical structure rather than abstract theology. When asked about growing closer to God or contemplative living in the community, he shared a straightforward example that speaks to each of us. As we may not live in a monastery, we are called to live a contemplative life within our communities.