What is the Difference Between Abbey and Monastery?

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The main difference between an abbey and a monastery lies in their leadership structure and size. Here are the key distinctions:

  • Abbey:
  • An abbey is a type of monastery where the leader is called an abbot (from the Latin, Greek, and Aramaic words for "father").
  • Abbeys are typically larger communities of either monks or nuns.
  • They provide a complex of buildings and land for religious activities, work, and housing of Christian monks and nuns.
  • An abbey can be autonomous and has at least 12 religious members.
  • Monastery:
  • A monastery is a religious house of members of the canons regular, monastic order, and mendicant orders.
  • Monasteries are usually smaller communities that live a more communal lifestyle.
  • They may be led by an abbot or abbess.
  • A monastery can be a simple house, a simple priory, a major priory, or an abbey.

In simpler terms, a monastery is a place where nuns, monks, and clerics live a communal lifestyle, while an abbey is a larger, more autonomous community led by an abbot or abbess.

Comparative Table: Abbey vs Monastery

The main difference between an abbey and a monastery lies in the size, governance, and autonomy of the religious communities. Here is a table comparing the two:

FeatureAbbeyMonastery
DefinitionAn abbey is a religious community of monks or nuns, usually larger and more significant than a monastery. A monastery is a spiritual community of monks, often smaller and less autonomous than an abbey. 
GovernanceAbbeys are governed by an abbot or abbess. Monasteries can be governed by a variety of religious leaders, depending on their size and order. 
AutonomyAbbeys are autonomous, meaning they are self-governing and can make their own decisions without needing approval from a higher authority. Monasteries may not have the same level of autonomy, often being subject to the authority of a larger religious order or hierarchy. 
SizeAbbeys are typically larger than monasteries, with at least 12 religious members. Monasteries can be smaller in size and may have fewer members. 
Layout and BuildingsAbbeys often follow a set plan in their layout, with buildings such as a church, refectory, dormitory, workshops, cellars for stores, infirmary, novitiate, guest-house, and chapter-house arranged around a quadrangle. Monasteries may have a simpler layout and fewer buildings, depending on their size and resources. 
Self-sufficiencyAbbeys are often self-sufficient, providing for the needs of their residents through various means, such as agriculture, crafts, or education. Monasteries may also be self-sufficient, but they may not have the same level of resources or autonomy as an abbey. 

In summary, an abbey is a larger, more autonomous, and often self-sufficient religious community, usually governed by an abbot or abbess, while a monastery is a smaller, less autonomous, and potentially less self-sufficient community, governed by various religious leaders.