Longer Rules

work by Basil the Great

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Last updated

June 30, 2026

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The Longer Rules are a collection of ascetic precepts written by St. Basil the Great in the 4th century. These rules were intended for monastic communities and form the basis for the statutes of most monasteries in the Eastern churches. St. Basil, a prominent Church Father, developed these guidelines from his practical experience as a monk, pastor, and church leader. His writings on monasticism, theology, and canon law were highly influential. The Longer Rules emphasize brotherly love within a monastic setting, distinguishing it from the life of a hermit.123

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St. Basil the Great
Works and legacy
The Longer Rules and Shorter Rules (for monasteries) and other ascetic writings distill the experience that began at Annesi and continued in his supervision of the monasteries of Cappadocia: They were to exert strong influence on the monastic life of Eastern Christianity. A notable feature is…
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The Longer Rules and Shorter Rules (for monasteries) and other ascetic writings distill the experience that began at Annesi and continued in his supervision of the monasteries of Cappadocia: They were to exert strong influence on the monastic life of Eastern Christianity. A notable feature is…
Read More