Christian Cyclopedia

(subintroductae; syneisaktai; syneisaktoi). Agapetae is from the Gk. for “beloved”; subintroductae is a Lat. term for females kept by men of clerical rank; syneisaktai (fem. pl.) and syneisaktoi (masc. pl.) are Gk. terms referring to the same practice, acc. to which virgins lived with clerics in spiritual marriage. A similar practice was followed by some Therapeutae.* Opposed, e.g., by Cyprian* of Carthage and J. Chrysostom.* Condemned by the Syn. of Elvira* (can. 27), the 314 Syn. of Ancyra* (can. 19), and the 325 Council of Nicaea* (can. 3). Suppressed by the Lateran* Council of 1139 (can. 6).