Montanists

an early Christian sect, founded in Phrygia in the mid-second century and named after its founder, the priest Montanus. The sect spread to Asia Minor, Africa, Rome, Gaul, and the Balkans.

Following the traditions of the first Christian communities, the Montanists opposed the absolute authority of the bishops; their congregations were headed by “prophets” and “prophetesses.” The Montanists awaited the imminent second coming of Christ to the small town of Pepuza in Asia Minor and exhorted believers to renounce private property and mortify the flesh. These exhortations reflected a protest against the contemporary social order. Despite persecution by imperial authorities and the orthodox church, the Montanist sect survived up until the eighth century.