In his sixth demonstration, Aphrahat, the fourth-century Persian Christian sage, describes the behavior of the bnay qyama, the "members of the covenant," through the image of the "yoke of the holy-ones." These men, often called, ih≥ idaye,"singleones" or "single-minded-ones," are a celibate elite. The ih≥ idaye's sexual status separates them psychologically and physically from the rest of the Christian community. 1 Yet the sexual behavior of these men is more than a lifestyle choice; it is a religious vocation of sexual continence embodied in the name they bear, "singleones," as well as the "holy-yoke" they wear.Scholars have noted that the term ih≥ idaye carries several interconnected meanings for it can connote all at once: (1) singlehood (celibacy or bachelorhood), (2) singleness of mind or purpose, and (3) a special relationship of emulation and representation of the Ih≥ idaya, God's only-begotten-one, Jesus. 2 The very title these men take on with their vow of celibacy reminds them and the larger Christian
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