Слово 63. О том, чем охраняется доброта иноческого жития, и о чине славословия Божия

The monk, in all his appearance and in all his deeds, should be an edifying example for everyone who sees him, so that, due to his many virtues, shining like rays, even the enemies of the truth, looking at him, even reluctantly recognize that Christians have a firm and unshakable hope of salvation, and flock from everywhere to him as to a real refuge, and so that the horn of the Church is raised against her enemies and many would be inspired to emulate monastic virtue and leave the world, and the monk would become worthy in everything for the kindness of his life; because monastic life is a praise to the Church of Christ. Therefore, a monk must have excellent traits in all respects, that is, contempt for appearances, strict non-covetousness, complete disregard for the flesh, high fasting, remaining in silence, orderliness of feelings, protection of vision, cutting off all discord about anything in this age, brevity in words, purity from resentment, with prudence, simplicity, with prudence, insight and quickness of mind, gentleness and simplicity. He should know that real life is vain and empty and that true and spiritual life is close; must not be known or condemned by people, not bind oneself to friendship or unity with any person; have a silent place of residence; always run away from people, remain in prayers and readings with unflagging patience; not to like honors and not to rejoice in gifts; do not become attached to this life; endure temptations courageously; to be free from worldly desires, from intelligence and remembrance of worldly affairs; always care and reflect on one true country; have a mournful and wrinkled face, constantly shed tears day and night; Above all this, maintain your chastity, be clean from gluttony, from small and large shortcomings. Here, briefly speaking, are the virtues of a monk, testifying to him of his complete deadness to the world and of his approach to God. Therefore, at all times we must take care of these virtues and acquire them. If someone says: “What is the need to list them, and not talk about them generally and briefly?” - then I will answer: “This is necessary so that when someone who cares about his life seeks in his soul any of the above-mentioned virtues and finds himself poor in any of the above, he recognizes from this his insignificance in every virtue, and this enumeration would serve as a reminder for him. But when he acquires in himself everything listed here, then he will be given knowledge about other things that I have not mentioned. And he will be the source of praise to God for holy people. And here, even before his passing from life, he will prepare a place of consolation for his soul. To our God be glory forever! Amen. You might be interested in: