Long before the advent of Christianity, people who laid their lives and wills on God's altar found salvation from the temptations of the illusory world in seclusion. Their simple and strict life was filled with thoughts about the Creator and prayers for the salvation of the soul. For the body there were only harsh posts, dilapidated clothes and a minimum of food. Some could completely refuse food and only eat the grace of the Lord.
Instruction manual
1
Those who could not stand the test of hermitage began to gather in the community of brothers or sisters in order to lead a monastic lifestyle. So along with the seclusion a dormitory arose. The founder of the first monastery is Pachomius the Great. Once, after a long stay in prayer and spiritual meditation, the Angel of the Lord appeared to him and presented the monastery charter, set forth on a copper plate. The rules were drafted so that even the weak could follow them without much difficulty. And he added that the perfect do not need a charter.
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Since then, the charter of any monastery invariably includes these basic angelic instructions that facilitate the perfection of the spirit on the thorny path to the abode of God.
3
The daily routine of each community is somewhat isolated, and depends on the geographical location (length of day and night), as well as weekdays and holidays.
4
Its main structure is as follows. Early going to bed (in the summer around 19.00, in the winter and earlier). Midnight rise to the All-night Prayer (with interruptions for sleep). Then at 3-4 in the morning - morning prayer. Rise at sunrise (5-6 hours) for individual prayer. Then the monastery meeting (chapter): prayer, reading and listening to the scriptures, administrative and disciplinary parts. Then, in full strength, the brothers (or sisters) remain at the morning mass, at 7.30. After - again an individual prayer. From 10-11 hours, the daytime labors of the monks begin, with a break for lunch and a short rest. From 16-17 h. Evening service, dinner. Around 19.00 - going to bed.
5
This is such a difficult day for every novice for many decades. It’s hard for an ordinary layman to even imagine such a thing. At the same time, a clear subordination, patience and a benevolent attitude towards the brethren are observed in the monastery. External collectivism and monotony, along with internal self-conversion and deep experiences of divine revelations, are only possible for people with a strong spirit. That is why, in order to test their spirit and perseverance of intentions, before the tonsure everyone undergoes a three-year probationary period (art.).
