Agapetai
/ˌæɡəˈpiːtaɪ/noun
A historical term for women in early Christian communities who lived in close, often celibate association with male clergy or ascetics.
Did you know?The Agapetai were associated with the early Christian practice later called syneisaktism, in which celibate men and women shared religious households—a practice repeatedly condemned by Church authorities.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἀγαπάω (agapaō)
“To love, show affection, or treat with regard; the exact deeper origin of the verb is uncertain.”
Classical Greek
Greek
ἀγάπη (agapē)
“Love, affection, or charitable concern.”
Late Greek
Greek
ἀγαπητός (agapētos)
“Beloved, dear, or esteemed.”
4th–5th Century
Greek
ἀγαπηταί (agapētai)
“Beloved women; a feminine plural designation used for women associated with Christian ascetics or clergy.”
Late Antiquity
Latin
agapetae
“A Latinized form referring to women in such religious relationships.”
Modern English
English
agapetai
“A historical term for the early Christian “beloved women,” especially in discussions of asceticism and Church discipline.”