The Ctistae, or Ktistai, were an ascetic group or class among the ancient Mysians. The Mysians avoided consuming any living thing and lived on foodstuffs such as milk and honey, for which they were called god-fearing and capnobatae, or smoke-treading. The Ctistae kept these same dietary restrictions and also abstained from cohabiting with women, living celibate lives and never marrying; they were held in a place of honor by the Thracians, their lives dedicated to the gods. They are described by the geographer Strabo, drawing on Poseidonius, who says they were also known collectively as Hippemolgi, Galactophagi or Abii.
Facts
Belief
Defining Doctrinal PositionEastern Orthodox Theosis 1 Status
Status TodayLiving tradition, practised today 1 Organisation
OrdinationVowed Religious Profession (not ordained) 1 Classification
ApostolateContemplative or Monastic Prayer 1 Practice
Liturgical Language Connections
Sources
1. Islamic Mysticism: A Short History
Alexander Knysh, Brill
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