Monasticism is the cornerstone of the Orthodox Christianity. In our daily lives, we often feel that monastic prayers accompany and sustain us. Indeed, we often turn to the monks seeking their advice or help. Monastic prayers, free from the passions of worldly life, are pure, sincere, more intense and have greater power before of the Lord. At the same time, the monastic way of life has provided our church with a multitude of saints.
How to become a monk? How can one be sure of one's decision? What are the requirements and the process of joining the monastic community?
The divine calling
First of all, in order to become a monk, one must experience the divine calling. Entering the monastic community is not an easy choice. It is a decision that requires effort and patience. No practical motives, such as peaceful way of life and freedom from all cares, can enter into it. Furthermore, one cannot be introduced to the solitary life at the urging of a third person. It is a deeply personal choice, which presupposes a long spiritual journey.
The aspiring monk must have a mature conscience, so as to sincerely desire monasticism. However, it is of great importance that he accepts God's grace. One must feel the calling that will awaken as a light within him, bringing clarity to his mind. It is the divine will that peacefully manifests itself into one's consciousness.
In this demanding process, the spiritual father plays an important role. He supports each human, guides and prepares him to make the choice adapted to himself.
Requirements
First of all, it is worth mentioning that the procedure for entering a monastery and the requirements for candidates may differ from country to country. This article deals specifically with Greek monasteries.
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So, when one feels confident in his choice and wants to proceed by joining a monastery, he must fulfil the following requirements:
- He must have reached the age of 18
- He must have submitted an application to the abbot of the monastery
- His membership must be decided by the council of the monastery
- His membership must be approved by the Monastery Property Management Organization
Once it is all completed, the candidate is enrolled in the monastery as a novice monk. Additionally, if one has spent some period of preparation under an archbishop, he may be accepted to the monastery on his own recommendation.
Preparation period
During the period of preparation, the novice follows the guidance of the abbot. It is during this period that his devotion and suitability are tested. The prayer, which strengthens his spirit, the tasks he has to complete each day, and the teachings that broaden the horizons of his faith, are of great importance during this period, which lasts 1-3 years.
Monastic initiation in Greece
Once the novice monk has completed these first years, he goes through the ceremony of monastic initiation. According to the Fathers of the Church, this ceremony is not a simple event, but a holy sacrament of great importance. On this day, a man is rebaptized and married to the church. He dedicates his life to God and leaves the world of men. The candidate wears white clothes and makes prostrations before the four points of the horizon, before the image of Christ, the Mother of God, and the saint that is celebrated in the particular church. He receives the blessing of the abbot.
The "Open the ears of your heart, Brother…" prayer is read, followed by a series of questions, to which the novice monk replies with affirmative answers, exclaiming "Yes, God is with us, venerable Father". Later, his new name is announced and the abbot dresses him in the monastic vestments. At the end of the Divine Liturgy, everybody gives wishes to the new monk.
The property of the monk
According to the monastic regulation, "The new monk is considered as a dead person; for this reason, he leaves his property twice, that is, firstly, through the ceremony of becoming a monk, and secondly, through the actual death.".jpg)
Entering monasticism is a death for the world, since the person renounces everyday life in the outside world and is reborn as a member of the monastic community. In this context, the new monk bequeaths all his property to the community where he lives. The transfer of his belongings takes place within a complete legal framework and under the consent of the monk.
Monastic life
After the ceremony of the monastic initiation, monastic life begins. Each monk follows the rules of the monastery. He devotes himself to prayer, ministry, obeys the abbot, looks after the community and pays all his attention to avoiding passions. At the same time, he does not forget the outside world, but prays for the good and the protection of all Christians. As St. Porphyry states:
"Do you know what it means to be a monk? First, to love God, and second, to spend your life weeping and lamenting for humanity."
