Black and white spirit. Black Monk White Monk

Monasticism is the way of life of an Orthodox Christian who has completely dedicated himself to God, who is completely occupied with ascetic deeds.

Meaning of the word

Monk at prayer

The word comes from the Greek word meaning “ single , secluded ". In Russian, a synonym for the word " monk "Is a" monk ", that is, another, different," other ".

History of origin

Monasticism originated in Egypt, which was one of the provinces of the Eastern Roman Empire at the beginning of our era. Ascetics who retired into the wilderness to live away from worldly temptations were known even in the earliest apostolic times. This kind of ascetic practices have their origin even from the biblical ascetics of pre-Christian, Old Testament times.

Useful materials

But , monasticism became a truly ubiquitous phenomenon in IV century, since the time of Constantine the Great, who made Christianity the state religion in the empire. The reason for this was the desire to imitate the early Christians, who went to torment for the sake of establishing and confessing their faith.

Founder

Iconography: Anthony the Great, Venerable Dates: XVI century. Second half of the 16th century. Icon painting school or art center: Crete. Material: Wood, gesso, tempera. Dimensions of the icon: height 108 cm, width 63 cm Inv. № IVIII 5277 ГИМ 53054. © "Historical Museum"

The founder of monasticism was a monk who lived in the middle of the fourth century. He settled on the banks of the Nile, in strict seclusion. but, after a while, other hermitages began to come to him, hoping to receive instructions from him. Anthony did not teach teachings, however, he did not forbid to settle not far from him, having made his own "cell" of branches.

Interesting fact

This is how the first monastic monastery in the history of Christianity arose, in which the monks lived next to each other, but in solitude, practically not communicating, but being connected by a common spiritual deed.

Following this, other hermitage monasteries began to appear.

Another type of early monastery was kinovii - monasteries — hostel. Their creator Pachomius The Great - a contemporary of Anthony the Great - also took the experience of early Christians as a model, but not a hermit, but a communal one. The first Christians lived in communities in which property was common, equality reigned, and everyone was subordinate to one spiritual mentor.

Pachomius The great one, who had the experience of a hermitic, desert life, realized that solitude is not at all useful for a neophyte, but, on the contrary, can be dangerous. Therefore, he created cynovia , as a type of monastic life, in which the main thing is strict obedience and regulation of the entire way of life of each of the monks.

In IV century in Egypt and Palestine, there were hundreds of monasteries of both types. Basil the Great, having become acquainted with the way of life in these monasteries, created a monastery in his Cappadocia ... He also drew up the first monastic charter, which soon became common for all Eastern monasticism.

Monasteries-hostels and monasteries-lavras, in which monks live in separate, located next to each other cells (laurel from the Greek "town, street"), appeared in the Balkans, in Asia Minor.Mount Athos is one of the most famous monastic centers of that time. It was from here that monasticism came to Russia.

Degrees of monasticism

Novice

Monastic deed begins with obedience. Novice - this is not yet a monk, but a layman who wishes to become a monk. The novices do not take vows, do not wear monastic clothes, but live in the monastery, comprehending the peculiarities of the order, the way of monastic life and fulfilling "obedience» — various works.

Ryasophor

When the spiritual mentor of the novice sees that his child demonstrates sufficient firmness of his intention, he gives new blessing to become a ryasophor. Ryasophor is not yet a monk in the full sense of the word, but a novice who wears monastic robes. Ryasophorov are sometimes called monks.

Mantle monk

The next stage is a real monastic tonsure. A person makes vows in which he completely renounces the world, his head is cut crosswise, and he is given a new name. From that moment on, the monk becomes, as it were, a different person. He abandons his own will, entrusting himself to a spiritual mentor, and from all the temptations of the world. This stage is called "mantle monasticism", because the mantle is part of the vestment. Sometimes such monasticism bears the same name of "small schema", in contrast to and from the "great schema", which is the highest degree of monastic exploit.

Shimnik

Great Schema - this is a complete renunciation of the whole world, even of the monastery hostel. A monk who has accepted the schema again receives a different name. He does not live with other monks, his cell located aside from others, if possible - in a skete located in a secluded place. Shimnikov is not occupied with works common to the entire monastery. From now on, their business is unceasing prayer. The schemniks in the old days took vows of seclusion or complete silence. In this sense, schemism-P an imitation of the ancient hermits.

How is the tonsure going

The tonsure of a monk is not a church sacrament, nevertheless, the attitude towards this rite has remained very special from time immemorial. Sometimes it is rightly called "the second baptism."

The tonsure of the cassock is quite simple: the person's hair is cut crosswise, the abbot says prayers, asking the Lord to strengthen the cassock, after which the new cassock is dressed in a cassock. No vows are pronounced at the same time.

In modern monastic practice, tonsure into the robe has almost disappeared; laymen are most often immediately tonsured into mantle monks. This event is much more solemn.

First, the troparion from the Week of the Prodigal Son service is sung:

“Embrace the Father’s openings with holes, my life is prodigal, behold the inexhaustible riches of Thy Savior, which has now impoverished my heart, but do not despise my heart. For thee, Lord, in emotion I call: those who have sinned, Father, to heaven and before you ... ".

At this time, a novice in a long-brimmed shirt should crawl to the center of the temple from the entrance. On both sides are two senior monks, who cover the crawler with the floors of their robes. In the middle of the church, the venerated one prostrates himself, arms outstretched in a cruciform manner.

The abbot tells him:

"God is wise, like a child-loving Father, in vain is your humility and true repentance, child, like a prodigal son, he accepts one who is reaching out to Him and from a heart that falls to Him."

Raising the novice and uttering a reminder that what is happening in the temple is heard and seen by the Lord and all the angels, the abbot takes vows:

Remain in the monastery and in fasting, even until your last breath?

Does he keep himself in virginity and chastity and reverence?

I help her, honest father.

Does obedience to the abbot and to all the brethren in Christ preserve and even to death?

I help her, honest father.

Have you survived to death in non-acquisitiveness and more freely than Christ for the sake of a common life of sheer poverty, gaining nothing for yourself, or keeping, perhaps for a common need, and behold, from obedience, and not from your own will?

Do you accept the whole monastic life of the cohabiterate?

Honest father, I accept her and kiss her with love.

Do you endure all the tightness and sorrow of the monastic life of the kingdom for the sake of Heavenly?

I help her, honest father.

Basic vows:

chastity (celibacy, virginity);
obedience;
non-acquisitiveness.

The two concepts - "chastity" and "celibacy" - cannot be considered synonymous. A chaste life, far from pleasing the lusts of the flesh, is also required of Orthodox Christians who have families. However, the monk, pronouncing the vow of chastity, also renounces the opportunity to enter into marriage. The goal of this lifestyle is not loneliness. Loneliness is generally contrary to human nature, it is a flawed state, overcome only by the presence of a "second half" in life. For a monk, this "second" is God. It is no coincidence that nuns are sometimes called "Brides of Christ."

The vow of obedience is that from now on the monk is deprived of his will, without a trace transferring himself into the hands of spiritual mentors, elders, the Lord. Humble obedience, refusal of one's will, boundless trust in the will of God, the ability to accept with gratitude and sorrow and joy is the basis of peace and tranquility that distinguishes many Orthodox monks.

Finally, "non-acquisitiveness ”Does not mean that a monk is prohibited from owning any things. He can have everything necessary for life, but he should not have an addiction to things, consider the possession of them as something important to himself.

When the vows have been pronounced, the abbot lays a book on the crown of the novice and reads prayers in which he asks God to instruct and strengthen the new monk. The assistant brings the scissors. The hegumen orders the novice to take them and give them to him. The novice offers scissors to the abbot three times, and he twice rejects them, and takes only after that. He cuts the hair on the bowed head of the novice and says:

"Our brother (sister) (name) will shave the hair of his head, as a sign of denying the world and everyone else in the world and to reject his will and all carnal lusts, in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit ..."

At this time, the shorn hears his new name for the first time. The change of name is an old custom, meaning both the rejection of the old life, and the birth for a new one, and complete submission to the one who calls the name. When giving a name for the tonsured one, the abbot can choose the name of the saint whose memory is commemorated on that day, or on the name of the saint who is especially venerated in the monastery. Sometimes the name begins with the same letter as the worldly name of the newly tonsured one.

Following this, the vestments in monastic robes take place. The new monk takes successively each part of the robe that the abbot blesses. First he puts on a cassock, then comes a paraman, a cassock, a belt, a doll and shoes.

Each part of the garment has its own wording:

The cassock is "a tunic of free (voluntary) poverty, lack of covetousness, all kinds of troubles and cramped tolerance ...".
Paraman - "in the betrothal of the angelic image and the everlasting remembrance of the blessed yoke of Christ ...".

The monk is robed. Now he is given a rosary, a cross and a burning candle, as a reminder that henceforth the lot of a monk is prayer, wearing a cross and bringing light to the world.

The tonsure of the great schema takes place in the same order as for the mantle monks: making vows, tonsuring the head, vesting. The difference is in the texts of the prayers, they are more extensive, and in the fact that an analav is added to other monastic clothes. In shape, this detail of the garment resembles an epitrachelion, but it is not divided in two and reaches in length only the belt of the schema-monk. On the doll and on the analogave of the schema-monk, inscriptions are embroidered - verses from the psalms, and the image of the Cross on the place of execution.

Is it true that when tonsure a person is forgiven all sins?

There is an opinion that when a person is tonsured, all sins are forgiven. This opinion can be considered fair, since the ceremony of tonsure is that a person renounces his worldly life, being born again for a monastic life. He gets a new name and as he said hieromartyr Illarion "Voluntarily becomes a baby in order to grow into a perfect husband."

Can monasticism be white and black?

The clergy may be black or white, but not monks. The black clergy is what it is. White clergy are priests who live in the world, have families and children, serve in temples. Black clergy are superior to white clergy. It is from the monastic environment that archimandrites, bishops, metropolitans and patriarchs emerge.

Monasteries: what they are, how life works in them

Modern Orthodox monasteries are divided on the :

stauropegic;
diocesan;
attributed.

Stavropegialmonasteries are subordinate to the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia.

Diocesan are subordinate to the diocesan bishop.

Affiliated monasteries are called "daughter" monasteries that arise in large prosperous monasteries. Such monasteries are under the control of the abbot of the "head" monastery.

There are sketes and farmsteads at the monasteries.

Sketes, being a subdivision of the monastery, are located separately from it, in a secluded area.Schema monks and monks live there, who have received the blessing for a secluded life.Despite the fact that the sketes are located away from sociable part, and the access of pilgrims there is usually strictly regulated, the sketes, nevertheless, are subordinate to the monastic authorities.

Compounds - branches of a monastery, located outside its walls, sometimes in another city or in another region. They are created in order to make it more convenient to deal with any economic issues, for purposes of missionary work or for representation. The farmsteads are also led by their monastic authorities.

The monastery is led by an abbess (abbess).

Interesting fact

Nowadays, the concepts "abbot" and "abbot" have come to mean the same thing, at that time, as before 2011 the dignity of abbot was given for services to the Orthodox Church.

The abbot is elected, as a rule, from among the inhabitants of the monastery, and he usestenakh indisputable authority... The attribute of the abbess (abbess) is a staff.

Monks tend to live in separate cells, or in cells for two people. Their entire daily routine is subordinated to the Liturgical cycle.

In each monastery, divine services take place in accordance with its own charter, but the general order is approximately as follows: early rise (sometimes at 3.30 at night), matins, liturgy. After the liturgy, there is a meal, after which the obediences begin. Further, some rest is provided before the evening service, then a meal and again a service in the temple, this time - Compline. Each monk also has his own cella rule that he strictly observes before going to bed.

They eat in Orthodox monasteries twice a day. Monks do not eat meat. On those days when there is no fasting, the brethren have fish, dairy products, and various pastries on the table. A special holiday menu is provided for the holidays.

From time immemorial, monks ate what they produced themselves, therefore, monasteries sometimes have quite extensive land plots on which bread, vegetables, fruits are grown, monks often keep cows, start apiaries and fish ponds.

Despite the fact that a monk, by taking vows, cuts himself off from the world, nevertheless, monasteries should serve people. They often have shelters and hospitals. Hotels for pilgrims, hostels for workers ... Every layman, coming to the monastery for pilgrimage purposes or for any other need, can count on a warm welcome and a place at the table in the common refectory.

Monasticism in the world in the Soviet period and modern

Speaking about monasticism in the world, one should understand the difference between monks who, for some reason, live outside the monastery walls, and between laypeople who, without taking any monastic vows, nevertheless, living in the world, adhere to the monastic charter.

Monks do sometimes live outside monasteries. This practice was especially widespread during the years of Soviet power. When the monastic abodes were destroyed, many monks had to flee and confess their faith in secret. Outwardly, they were not much different from other people, but they secretly observed all monastic vows, fulfilled the prayer rules and, if possible, did not miss church services.

The practice of secret tonsure also spread during the period of godless power. The life of these people often became a real asceticism. Sometimes only after the death of a person, preparing the deceased for burial, his relatives learned that he was carrying a monastic deed in the world.

Nowadays, monks sometimes live in the world, performing, for example, some kind of obedience. Monks are not uncommon among parish priests, especially in small towns and villages.

It also happens that a layman, without taking any vows, still strives to live according to the monastic charter. For example, the righteous saint, who lived at the beginning of the 19th century, abandoned the wealthy life of a landowner, wandered through the monasteries of Russia, and then settled in Taganrog, turning his modest house into a real cell, and gathered around him the same guardians who strove for a righteous and pure life ... Among his followers were family people, but they zealously adhered to the monastery charter and rules. And this is not the only example of this kind of monastic life in the world.

In Russia

"Saints Anthony and Theodosius of the Caves." Sayda Afonin. Fragment

The first monastery of Kievan Rus arose during the reign of Prince Yaroslav Vladimirovich, this is the Kievo-Pechersk Monastery. We owe his appearance to St. Anthony and St. Theodosius of the Caves, who became the first abbot and founder of monasticism in Russia.

In the period before the Mongol invasion in Russia, several large monastic centers were formed in Kiev, Novgorod, Chernigov, and other cities. Monasteries were not only centers of piety and spirituality, literacy and arts, including chronicle writing and icon painting, spread from here.

After the Mongol invasion, the center of spiritual life moved to northeastern Russia. Here, in the dense forests, monasteries arose, which became centers of national identity, which kept old books that continued the traditions of chronicle writing. The brightest beacon of the monastic asceticism of this period was the Monk Sergius of Radonezh, who founded the Trinity-Sergius Lavra, and to this day remains the main spiritual center of modern Russia.

Until the era of Peter I and his transformations, monasteries in Russia remained a place of intense spiritual, intellectual and political life. Here schools arose, books were created, icons were painted here. Here polemics were played out between representatives of different directions of religious thought - between the "Josephites" and "non-possessors", between supporters of Nikon's reforms and those who adhered to the old rite.

During the period that in church history is called "synodal", the importance of monasteries especially increased. In a situation where parish priests were almost equated with other government officials, people reached out to monks, seeing in them the guardians of ancient piety. At this time, eldership arose and flourished, Optina Pustyn was especially famous for this.

After the October Revolution of 1917, the overwhelming majority of monasteries were destroyed, many monks were thrown behind bars or shot, the rest had to go into hiding. However, after 1991, monastery life in Russia was revived.

How to understand if there is a blessing of God on this path?

To understand this, a person must go through a certain path of trials. First of all, you need to know that not every person can enter a monastery. First of all, he must be Orthodox. It is impossible to become a monk for minors, persons with mental disabilities, as well as for those who have a family with small children, have committed a crime and for this reason are wanted or are under investigation, have outstanding loans. Only by fully paying off all debts and ending all obligations in worldly life, a person has the opportunity to apply for monastic tonsure.

As a rule, the path to monasticism goes through labor (laborers are called laymen who work for free at the monastery and live within its walls) to novice. If the novice has shown himself to be a person ready to take vows, the abbot decides to tonsure. If, on the contrary, the novice realized that he was not ready for monastic life, he can return to the world without any spiritual consequences for himself.

In the old days, it was a rule that taking monastic vows and tonsure is forever, and a person who has adopted a new name and monastic vestments cannot return to the world. The fugitives from the monasteries were searched for and returned back by force, sometimes they were kept in monastic prisons. Now the situation is different. Leaving a monastery is considered a personal catastrophe for a person and is not subject to any other judgment than God.

The answer to the girl's question whether she should get out of the world:

Child, if you hesitate, then know: you are more for marriage than for a monastery. Monastic life for those who do not hesitate. Saint Sava felt no doubt. Neither Saints Theodora, Xenia and Euphemia, nor many others who became true ascetics of monastic life, had any doubts. For "not all can contain, but to whom it has been given." Great love for God cannot stand the world, shuns society, seeks solitude. Such love prompted thousands of souls to deviate from the wide path of the world and go into the deserts to be alone with their beloved Lord.

Holy Fathers on Monasticism

Quotes from some of the holy fathers about the vocation of a monk.

"Monks from the world, from the sea of anger and the abyss of darkness, from the depths they take and carry out stones, pearls that enter the crown of Christ, into the Heavenly Church, into a new century, into a luminous city, into an angelic cathedral."

St. John Chrysostom.

“If the world and that everything in the world passes through, and God is incorruptible and immortal, then rejoice all who for His sake have left corruption. Perishable is not only wealth and money, but all sinful pleasure and delight is aphid. Some commandments of God, light, are the essence and life, and tick is called by all. "

Simeon the New Theologian.

“Physical labors lead the soul to humility, because the soul is compassionate with the body and participates in everything that is done in the body. As bodily labor humbles the body, the soul is humbled with it. "

Abba Dorotheus

"A humble and virtuous monk conceals his virtues, like a rich man of treasures."

Abba Isaiah.

Alexey Ilyich Osipov, modern Russian Orthodox publicist, teacher, Doctor of Theology, professor of the Moscow Theological Academy, on monasticism:

“Monasticism is the nature of life. What kind of life? Maximum renunciation of everything that I do not need in direct need, and maximum attention to prayer, reading the Word of God, repentance, knowing oneself, thanksgiving to God. This is what monasticism is. [Today] it is easy to replace the internal for the external. But external without internal is a tragedy. It turns out pharisaism and other sins "

Monasteries today remain important centers for preserving the traditions of Orthodoxy, preserving and developing within their walls ancient church chants, icon painting and even recipes for ancient cuisine. But the main purpose of the existence of monastic cloisters from the day the very first hermits appeared to the present day is tireless prayer for the entire human race.

Every Orthodox person meets with the clergy who speak in public or conduct services in the church. At first glance, you can understand that each of them wears some special rank, because it is not for nothing that they have differences in clothes: different colors of robes, hats, someone has jewelry made of precious stones, while others are more ascetic. But not everyone is given to understand the ranks. To find out the main dignities of clergy and monks, consider the ranks of the Orthodox Church in ascending order.

It should be said right away that all ranks are divided into two categories:

Secular clergy. These include ministers who can have a family, wife, and children.
Black clergy. These are those who accepted monasticism and renounced worldly life.

Secular clergy

The description of people who serve the Church and the Lord comes from the Old Testament. The scripture says that before the birth of Christ, the prophet Moses appointed people who were to communicate with God. It is with these people that today's hierarchy of ranks is associated.

Altar boy (novice)

This person is a worldly clergy assistant. His responsibilities include:

If necessary, the novice can ring the bells and read prayers, but he is strictly forbidden to touch the throne and walk between the altar and the Royal Doors. The altar boy wears the most ordinary clothes, puts on the surplice upstairs.

This person is not promoted to the rank of clergy. He should read prayers and words from scripture, interpret them to ordinary people and explain to children the basic rules of the Christian life. For special zeal, a priest can ordain a psalmist to a subdeacon. From church clothes, he is allowed to wear a cassock and a skufia (velvet cap).

This person also does not have a sacred dignity. But he can wear surplice and orarion. If the bishop blesses him, then the subdeacon can touch the throne and enter the altar through the Royal Doors. Most often, the subdeacon helps the priest to perform the service. He washes his hands during the divine services, gives him the necessary items (trikiry, ripids).

Church dignities of the Orthodox Church

All of the above ministers of the church are not clergymen. These are simple peaceful people who want to get closer to the church and the Lord God. They are accepted for their positions only with the blessing of the priest. To consider the ecclesiastical dignities of the Orthodox Church from the lowest.

The position of the deacon has remained unchanged since ancient times. He, as before, must help in the divine service, but he is forbidden to independently perform church services and represent the Church in society. His main responsibility is reading the Gospel. Currently, the need for the services of a deacon is no longer needed, so their number in churches is steadily declining.

This is the most important deacon at a cathedral or church. Previously, this rank was received by the protodeacon, who was distinguished by a special zeal for service. To determine that the protodeacon is in front of you, it is worth looking at his vestments. If he is wearing an orarion with the words “Holy! Holy! Holy ”, it means that he is in front of you. But at present this dignity is given only after the deacon has served in the church for at least 15–20 years.

It is these people who have a beautiful singing voice, know many psalms, prayers, and sing at various church services.

This word came to us from the Greek language and in translation means "priest". In the Orthodox Church, this is the smallest priesthood. The bishop gives him the following powers:

perform divine services and other sacraments;
to carry the teaching to people;
to carry out communion.

It is forbidden for a priest to consecrate antimensions and to administer the ordinance of the ordination of the priesthood. Instead of a hood, his head is covered with a kamilavka.

This dignity is given as a reward for some kind of merit. The archpriest is the most important among the priests and concurrently the rector of the church. During the performance of the sacraments, the archpriests put on the robe and the epitrachelion. Several archpriests can serve in one liturgical institution.

This dignity is given only by the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia as a reward for the kindest and most useful deeds that a person has done in favor of the Russian Orthodox Church. This is the highest rank in the white clergy. It will no longer be possible to deserve a rank above, since then there are ranks who are forbidden to create a family.

Nevertheless, in order to get promoted, many abandon worldly life, family, children and go into monastic life forever. In such families, the spouse most often supports the husband and also goes to the monastery to take a monastic vow.

Black clergy

It includes only those who have received monastic tonsure. This hierarchy of ranks is more detailed than that of those who preferred family life to monastic life.

This is a monk who is a deacon. He helps priests to conduct ordinances and perform services. For example, he brings out the vessels necessary for rituals or pronounces prayer requests. The most senior hierodeacon is called "archdeacon".

This is a person who is a priest. He is allowed to perform various sacred ordinances. This dignity can be obtained by priests from the white clergy who have decided to become monks, and those who have passed ordination (giving a person the right to perform the sacraments).

This is the abbot or abbess of a Russian Orthodox monastery or temple. Previously, most often, this rank was given as a reward for services to the Russian Orthodox Church. But since 2011, the patriarch made a decision to grant this rank to any abbot of the monastery. At dedication, the abbot is presented with a staff, with which he must go around his possessions.

This is one of the highest dignities in Orthodoxy. Upon receiving it, the clergyman is also awarded a miter. The archimandrite wears a black monastic robe, which distinguishes him from other monks in that he has red tablets. If, moreover, the archimandrite is the abbot of a temple or monastery, he has the right to wear a wand - a staff. He is supposed to be addressed by "Your High Reverend".

This dignity belongs to the category of bishops. When ordained, they received the highest grace of the Lord and therefore can perform any sacred rite, even ordain deacons. According to church laws, they have equal rights; the archbishop is considered the oldest. According to ancient tradition, only a bishop can bless a service with the help of antimis. This is a quadrangular scarf, into which part of the relics of a saint is sewn.

Also, this clergyman controls and takes care of all monasteries and churches that are located on the territory of his diocese. The generally accepted address to the bishop is "Vladyka" or "Your Eminence".

This is a high-ranking clergy or the highest title of a bishop, the most ancient on earth. He is subject only to the patriarch. It differs from other dignitaries in the following details in clothing:

has a blue robe (bishops have red ones);
a white cowl with a cross trimmed with precious stones (the others have a black cowl).

This dignity is given for very high merit and is a badge of distinction.

Highest dignity in the Orthodox Church, the main priest of the country. The word itself combines two roots "father" and "power". He is elected at the Council of Bishops. This dignity is for life, only in the most rare cases is it possible to depose and excommunicate. When the seat of the patriarch is empty, a locum tenens is appointed as an interim executor, who does everything the patriarch has to do.

This position bears responsibility not only for itself, but also for the entire Orthodox people of the country.

Ascending ranks in the Orthodox Church have their own clear hierarchy. Despite the fact that we call many clergy "father", every Orthodox Christian should know the main differences between dignities and positions.

The white clergy includes married clergymen who did not take monastic vows. They are allowed to have a family and children.

When they talk about the black clergy, they mean monks ordained to the priesthood. They devote their whole lives to serving the Lord and take three monastic vows - chastity, obedience and non-covetousness (voluntary poverty).

A person who is going to take holy orders, even before ordination, is obliged to make a choice - to marry or become a monk. After ordination, it is no longer possible for a priest to marry. Priests who did not marry before accepting ordination sometimes choose celibacy instead of taking monastic vows - they take a vow of celibacy.

Church hierarchy

In Orthodoxy, there are three degrees of priesthood. The first step is occupied by deacons. They help to conduct divine services and rituals in temples, but they themselves cannot lead services and perform the sacraments. Church ministers belonging to the white clergy are simply called deacons, and monks ordained to this dignity are called hierodeacons.

Among deacons, the most worthy can receive the rank of protodeacon, and among hierodeacons, archdeacons are elders. A special place in this hierarchy is occupied by the patriarchal archdeacon serving under the patriarch. He belongs to the white clergy, and not to the black, like other archdeacons.

The second degree of the priesthood is priests. They can independently conduct services, as well as perform most of the sacraments, except for the ordination to the priesthood. If a priest belongs to the white clergy, he is called a priest or presbyter, and if he belongs to the black clergy, he is called a hieromonk.

A priest can be elevated to the rank of archpriest, that is, senior priest, and a hieromonk - to the rank of abbot. Often, archpriests are abbots of churches, and abbots are abbots of monasteries.

The highest priestly title for the white clergy, the title of Protopresbyter, is awarded to priests for special merit. This rank corresponds to the rank of archimandrite in the black clergy.

Priests belonging to the third and highest degree of the priesthood are called bishops. They have the right to perform all the sacraments, including the ordination of other priests. Bishops direct church life and lead dioceses. They are divided into bishops, archbishops, and metropolitans.

Only a clergyman belonging to the black clergy can become a bishop. A priest who has been married can only be ordained a bishop if he accepts monasticism. He can do this in the event that his wife has died or also tonsured as a nun in another diocese.

The local church is headed by the patriarch. The head of the Russian Orthodox Church is Patriarch Kirill... In addition to the Moscow Patriarchate, there are other Orthodox patriarchates in the world - Constantinople, Alexandrian, Antioch, Jerusalem, Georgian, Serbian, Romanian and Bulgarian.

The Orthodox clergy is a special class that appeared in Russia in 988, after the Baptism of Rus. History is silent about how the situation with the clergy was before this period, but it is known that the priest Gregory traveled with Princess Olga to Constantinople. At a time when the clergy was entrusted with a special and very important mission - the Christianization of the population, priests were considered a special and privileged class. Many came from Greece and Bulgaria, even children from different classes were selected for education as the future clergy. The monks enjoyed special honor and respect, the ascetic culture was especially close to the people. The rich and noble people of that time went to the monastery. In addition, the monasteries have always done charitable work. The princes favored the monasteries and freed them from taxes. There is no exact information about who became the first Metropolitan of Kiev. Since the 16th century, it was believed that he was Michael I the Syrian, who was once sent to perform the Sacrament of Baptism over Prince Vladimir. In Kiev, he baptized local residents. The relics of Metropolitan Michael were kept in the Tithe Church, but then they were transferred to the Great Church of the Lavra.

Hierarchy of white clergy

It should be noted that the hierarchy of the clergy did not appear from the moment the Church appeared. At the dawn of Christianity, everyone was equal. Gradually, the need to distinguish between church titles and ranks became apparent. In the Russian Orthodox Church, one cannot immediately “come to the office” of a Metropolitan or Bishop. Such titles must be earned. We will tell you more about the role each order of the clergy plays in the life of the Church in this article.

At the head of the Russian Orthodox Church is the Primate - the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia. Together with the Holy Synod, he administers church affairs.

The Metropolitan is immediately responsible for several dioceses. Bishops do not make important decisions without the knowledge of the Metropolitan.

Each diocese has its own Bishop, who is responsible for the area assigned to him. Absolutely all bishops belong to the black clergy. Bishops are responsible for major dioceses.

There are also deacons and protodeacons who help the priest and archpriest during the divine services. A deacon cannot conduct divine services on his own.

Thus, the hierarchy in the white clergy looks like this:

Patriarch
Metropolitan
Bishop / Bishop
Priest / Archpriest
Deacon / Protodeacon

The clergy are white and black

The Russian Orthodox Church traditionally divides the clergy into two categories: white and black. The first category includes those priests who did not take the monastic vow, the second - those who took it. Taking a vow takes place at the time of taking monastic vows. Before being ordained, a person must decide who he wants to be: a priest (they are allowed to have a wife) or a monk. When ordination is completed, marriage becomes impossible for a priest, and there is also a vow of celibacy. It means complete celibacy. Religion allows priests and deacons to have a spouse, while a hierarch must be a monk.

In Orthodoxy, there are three hierarchical ranks:

deaconate;
priesthood;
bishopric.

During the divine services, the priests are assisted by deacons. However, the latter are deprived of the right to conduct them without the participation of the priest, who, in turn, can perform almost all the sacraments. Bishops conduct ordination to the priesthood, they have in their hands all the power that the church can give to a person. This is the highest degree of the priesthood.

At the base of the hierarchical ladder are the bishops, followed by the increasing power of the archbishops, then the metropolitan, and finally the patriarch.

Secular clergy

The white clergy is the most numerous; the overwhelming majority of the clergy belong to them. However, it is also the closest to worldly life. In our state, small churches have been rebuilt in almost all, even small, settlements. If the size of the parish is small, it has one priest. In a larger parish, an archpriest, priest and deacon are needed for pastoral ministry. In many ways, the position of the clergy depends on the participation and help of the laity. The hierarchy is not very complicated here.

Altar men

In the altar, the priest also needs help, and he receives it from the novices, who are called sextons, or altar boys. Not only men can play this role. Often these functions are taken over by nuns or elderly parishioners. Temples generally need male believers who would like to take on the responsibility of serving God in this way.

To become a sexton, you do not need to go through the rite of the sacrament. It is enough to receive a blessing for the service from the abbot of a particular temple. Duties of the altar boy:

make sure that lamps and candles are lit near the iconostasis, make them up;
prepare the vestments of the priest;
bring wine, prosphora and incense on time;
during the sacrament, bring a plate, with the help of which they wipe their lips;
keep order in the altar.

All these actions are quite within the power of the majority of believers who want to serve the Lord and be at the temple.

The Readers

Readers, in other words, psalmists, do not have a sacred degree either. The task of these people is to read the texts of prayers and the Holy Scriptures when the service is taking place. But in some cases, the abbots of the temples may give other instructions to the readers. The rite of chirotesia, initiating a person into a reader, is performed by the bishop. If the ceremony is not performed, then the reader will not be able to try himself in the role of subdeacon, deacon and priest.

Subdeacons

During divine services, bishops need helpers. In this capacity are subdeacons. Their task includes the offering of candles, the laying down of the eagle, the vestment of the bishop, and the washing of his hands. Despite the fact that these clergymen wear orari and don the surplice, they do not possess the sacred degree. By the way, the surplice and orarion are parts of the deacon's vestments, while the orarion symbolizes the wings of an angel.

Deacons

The first degree of the priesthood includes deacons. Their main goal is to help the priests during the divine services. They themselves, alone, cannot conduct any services. Since maintaining large clergy is not an easy task, not all branches have deacons.

Protodeacons

These priests are the main deacons at cathedrals. Dignity is awarded only to those who have been in the priesthood for at least two decades.

In addition, there are patriarchal archdeacons - those who serve the patriarchs. Unlike other archdeacons, they belong to the white clergy.

Priests

This title is considered the first in the priesthood. The priests begin the flock, perform all the sacraments, with the exception of ordination, conduct services (but do not consecrate the antimension).

Most parishioners are accustomed to calling priests priests. The white priest also bears the name "presbyter", and the one belonging to the black clergy - "hieromonk".

Archpriests

As a reward, this title may be given to a priest. It is consecrated into it during the sacrament of ordination.

Protopresbyter

This title is the highest title of the white clergy. According to tradition, the Russian Orthodox Church issues this title only for special spiritual merit, and the decision on the award is made by the patriarch himself.

Bishops

The third degree of the priesthood is occupied by bishops, who have access to absolutely all Orthodox sacraments. They can also conduct ordinations for clergy. They are the ones who govern the entire life of the church, govern the dioceses. Bishops include bishops, metropolitans and archbishops.

Black clergy

The decision to lead a monastic life is one of the most difficult decisions in human life. Therefore, before taking the monastic vows, it is necessary to go through a novice. This is preparation, primarily moral, for the dedication of all life to the Lord. During this time, one can get used to monastic life and reflect on the necessity of a vow.

After the tonsure, the person is given a new name. From that moment on, he was called "ryasophor", or "monk". When he accepts the small schema, he is called a monk, while his name changes again, and he takes additional vows.

Upon accepting the great schema, a monk turns into a schema monk, his vows become even more strict and his name changes again. Schema monks usually do not live with the monastic brethren. Often they go into hermitage or become recluses or hermits. They are the ones who perform well-known monastic exploits.

Hierodeacons and Hieromonks

A monk who is ordained a deacon becomes a hierodeacon. If he has the dignity of a priest, then it is correct to call him a hieromonk. In this case, the title is obtained during the passage of the ordination procedure. White priests can become hieromonks only after the monastic tonsure.

Abbots

The abbots of monasteries are called abbots. To become one, you need to go through the selection procedure among the hieromonks.

Archimandrites

These priests belong to one of the highest Orthodox monastic ranks. As a rule, it is issued to the abbots of large monasteries.

It is interesting that archpriests can also become archimandrites: in the event of the death of their mother and when deciding whether to lead a monastic life.

Bishops and Archbishops

The leadership of dioceses is available to bishops who are ranked among the first rank of bishop. The major dioceses are headed by archbishops. The last title is considered honorable and can be awarded to those who have significant services to God and the church.

Metropolitan

Several dioceses located in one district or in one region are dominated by the metropolitan.

Patriarch

Patriarchs belong to the highest episcopal dignity, they head local churches. Only a person who is the head of the autocephalous church can receive dignity. In Russia, the representative of this dignity at the moment is Patriarch Kirill.

Features of tonsure as a monk

Monasticism is a special way of life for the sake of serving God. Monks are very different from white priests. Vows can be called the second baptism, because through it the soul of a person is renewed and reborn. After the ceremony, a person is considered renounced from the world and from now on dressed in the image of an angel.

But becoming a monk is not easy. It is not enough just to make this decision, you need to justify it and go through a kind of trial period. During it, the candidate goes through the so-called "monastic work", which includes three stages:

the life of a worker;
the title of candidate for novice;
obedience.

The difference between the rungs is great. Every believer who goes to church can work in it if he has a desire to work for the glory of God. Workers can have families and children. In some cases, they are even paid wages. But if such a person - a servant - lives at a monastery, then he undertakes to abide by the rules adopted there and to abandon addictions.

Upon entering a monastery, a person receives the title of candidate for novice. From that moment on, he must begin to figure out how much the monastic life suits him. The confessor, as well as the abbot of the monastery and older brothers independently determine how long he will stay in the monastery in this capacity.

A novice becomes one who has successfully passed the probationary period, still expresses a desire to live in the monastery and who is not restrained by any external obstacles. To do this, it is necessary to write a petition to the ruling bishop, which accompanies the letter on behalf of the rector. The diocesan authorities must give their blessing, after which the brother can become a resident of the monastery.

Types of tonsure in monasticism

There are three types of monastic tonsure accepted in Orthodoxy. In accordance with them, monks become:

ryasophores;
those who have passed the small schema;
those who have gone through the great schema.

The Ryasophores undertake to live in the monastery for at least three years. Only in the case of a fatal illness can a candidate write a petition to be tonsured a monk before three years have elapsed.

During the rite, special prayers are read, the hair is cut with the help of the cross, the old name is changed (although in some cases the one who is tonsured may leave his old one), and the vestment is put on a cassock. During the tonsure, there is no need to make vows, but the very fact of freely entering the path of a monk implies a commitment to the Lord. These obligations mean, first of all, the so-called clean living. This is helped by the intercession of the saint whose name is taken during the rite.

Some monasteries skip the stage of robes and immediately carry out the sacrament of the lesser schema. There is evidence of believers who immediately accepted the Great Schema. This means maintaining an individual approach to each believer in the Orthodox tradition. It is during the minor and great schemas that people who take monastic vows take vows to God and renounce worldly life. From that moment on, they not only have a new name and vestments, but also a new life.

Despite the listed differences, the clergy of both types of clergy have a common task: to teach children and adults Orthodoxy and the right life, to educate and bring good. Both white and black clergy are a very important part of serving God, and this system has not only Orthodoxy, but also Catholicism.

The clergy is a collective term for a social class, person or social group consisting of professional ministers of the cult of a particular religion. Used, as a rule, only for monotheistic religions.

Christianity

Main article: Clear

In local Orthodox churches, only men are included in the clergy (clergy). The clergy comprises three degrees of priesthood: deacon, priest (priest), and bishop (bishop). The bishopric is attainable only for monastics.

There is no strict division between clergy and laity in Protestant churches. Distinguish between the positions of bishop, pastor and presbyter, which, however, are perceived precisely as a position, and not a dignity.

In Orthodoxy, the priesthood is both married (the so-called white clergy) and monks ordained to the priesthood (black clergy - who took a vow of celibacy.).

In the Latin rite Catholicism, celibacy is mandatory for all priests; the white clergy includes diocesan priests who did not take monastic vows, and the black clergy are priests belonging to one of the monastic orders.

In Orthodoxy and Catholicism, the term “clergyman” is used (in Catholicism, also an appointed minister).
In Orthodoxy, clergymen include:

subdeacon
candle bearer

In Catholicism before the Second Vatican Council:

acolyte
exorcist
ostiary

After the Second Vatican Council, only the readers and acolytes were left.

Some specific terms related to the Christian clergy

Buddhism

Hierarchs of the Buddhist community

Dalai lama
Dharmaraja (Chogyal)
Sangharaja (English) Russian.
Supreme Patriarch of Thailand
Supreme Patriarch of Cambodia
Jae Khempo
bonze
Sayadaw (English) Russian.
shiretuy (mong. shireet, bur.shereete)
Gegen (Mong. Gegeen)
hutukhta
chiba (Wiley khri ba; titog, Wiley khri thog)
Guo shi (jap.) Russian.
baksh (kalm.bagsh)
Hambo lama
Pandita Hambo Lama
Kamba lama
Shajin Lama
tulku (khubilgan)

Degrees of monasticism

bhikkhu (bhikkhu, galong) (227/250/253 vows)
bhikkhuni (bhikkhuni, galongma) (vows 311/348/360/364)
shikshamana (sikkhamana (English) Russian, globma)
shramanera (samanera (English) Russian, getzul) (36 vows)
shramanerika (samaneri (English) Russian, getzulma)
Pravrajya (Pabbaja (English) Russian, Rabjung, Bandi / Huwarak, Koun Ryusui (English) Russian, Shinpyu (English) Russian, Henjanim)
anagarika (eng.) Russian / brahmacharya (8 vows)
dasasil mata (tkhilashin (English) Russian) (10 vows)
machi (English) (8 vows)
Siladhara (English) Russian. (about 100 vows)
bodhisattva monks (Tiantai) (58 vows, see Mahayana Brahmajala Sutra)

Other

lama (Himalayan-Mongolian Buddhism)
adzari (eng.) Russian. (Shingon)
mitra (Nalandabodhi (English) Russian)
Zen priest (see Inca) (sensei) (Soto, Rinzai, Tego (English) Russian, Kwang Ym)
Jodo-shinshu priest
priest Nichiren-shu
Vajracharya (Newar Buddhism (English) Russian)
patriarch zhai jiao
kru (manufacturer of amulets protecting from spirits) Laos)
dancing duan gong (shaman variety, Southwest and Central China)
yarlykchi (southern Altai dyarlykchy, Burkhanism)
kyomu (won Buddhism)
kapuwa (kapua, kapurala) (priest of cults of Hindu origin Sri Lanka)
bali edura (bandhanaya) (priest of the astrological cult, Sri Lanka)
edura (yakadura, kattadiya, kattandiya) (priest / shaman of the demonic cult, Sri Lanka)
medlgch (non-dignified Buddhist scholar, Kalmykia)
erulch (executor of good wishes, Mongolia)

Into the Black and White Spirit

How is the white clergy different from the black?

There is a certain church hierarchy and structure in the Russian Orthodox Church. First of all, the clergy is divided into two categories - white and black. How do they differ from each other? The white clergy includes married clergymen who did not take monastic vows. They are allowed to have a family and children.

Church hierarchy

A priest can be elevated to the rank of archpriest, that is, senior priest, and a hieromonk - to the rank of abbot. Often, archpriests are abbots of churches, and abbots are abbots of monasteries.

The highest priestly title for the white clergy, the title of Protopresbyter, is awarded to priests for special merit. This rank corresponds to the rank of archimandrite in the black clergy.

The local church is headed by the patriarch. The head of the Russian Orthodox Church is Patriarch Kirill. In addition to the Moscow Patriarchate, there are other Orthodox patriarchates in the world - Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, Jerusalem, Georgian, Serbian, Romanian and Bulgarian.