545. О наружном поведении новоначальных иноков

Sister Agrippina in the Lord! I received your letter dated May 10th. I advise you to carefully read those books of external behavior for new monks that I gave to my former sisters. Pranks, whatever they may be, although they seem innocent, are very harmful to the soul for monks. Pranks and any freedom in behavior, even with one’s own sisters, is insolence, according to the interpretation of St. Fathers and those who neglect repentance and correction are led into fornication, which, unfortunately, many do not know. Monastic life is also called fasting, virginal and non-covetous, and therefore it is especially necessary to guard against sins that lead to the violation of these virtues. We did not enter the monastery for games, fun and entertainment. There should be no place for laughter and fun in the monasteries! Here we must repent, cry, and work out our eternal salvation through a short earthly life. Although this will seem very boring and sad, but what to do? Carnal life, and not spiritual life, must inherit death and corruption. It’s time to come to our senses and hasten to improve, so that the hour of death does not overtake us unprepared. Save yourself in the Lord. Invoking the peace and blessing of God, I remain with sincere goodwill. You might be interested in: