Some deeply religious people often choose the path of monasticism. However, becoming a monk is not so simple - for this you need to go through a series of certain steps, at the top of which is the status of a schemnik.
Schema and its adoption
The schema in Orthodoxy is the highest monastic degree, which requires the monk who has accepted it to observe severe ascetic conditions. Initially, the schema was a monastic vestment of a special kind, but over time, the solemn oath of a monk ready for asceticism began to be called this word. When tonsured as novices, a person is obliged to renounce all worldly things, changing his name, taking a vow of the schemer and clothed in the clothes of a monk - a schema.
Accepting the schema, the monk completely changes his lifestyle to monastic life and finally devotes himself to God.
Traditionally, Orthodox monasticism consists of four degrees - cassock, the initial degree of monasticism, the small schema and the great schema. Initially, the novice is not required to take any vows - unlike the little schema, when the future monk must take vows of obedience, virginity, and non-possession, and also change his name. The great schema consists in bringing the vow of constant prayer and the next change in the name of the monk, who with each change of name acquires a new heavenly patron.
