Analysis of information sources in references of the Wikipedia article "History of social work" in English language version.
When Christianity was introduced, the Church acquired very large means by gifts, in addition to the endowments of the state [...] Above we have enumerated the institutions established by benevolent bishops and congregations out of these funds - xenodochia (hostels), ptochotrophia (poorhouses), gerokomia (homes for the aged), nosokomia (hospitals), and orphanotrophia (orphanages); the Basilieas founded and buil by Basil the Great at the end of the fourth century may be regarded as the ideal and model of such institutions. For the larger part these were foundations for people actually helpless, and as such comprised a truly magnificent advance over the old pagan world, although the ancient world had long ago made a beginning of state activity in this direction
{{cite book}}
: ISBN / Date incompatibility (help)A number of terms were used in the past to describe traditional healers, the most common terms being witch-doctor and herbalist. The term witch-doctor is no longer used [...]. [...] In the social field, the traditional healer was a religious consultant, a legal and political adviser, a marriage counsellor and a social worker.
{{cite book}}
: CS1 maint: others (link)