Long before the rise of Christianity, people who laid their lives and will on God's altar found in hermitage salvation from the temptations of the illusory world. Their simple and strict life was filled with thoughts of the Creator and prayers for the salvation of the soul. For the body there were only severe fasts, shabby clothes and a minimum of food. Some could completely refuse food and taste only the grace of the Lord.
Instructions
Step 1
Those who could not stand the test of hermitism began to gather in communities of brothers or sisters in order to lead a monastic life. So, along with the hermitage, a hostel 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 handed over the monastery charter, set out on a copper plate. The rules were designed so that even the weak could follow them without much difficulty. And he added that the perfect don't need a charter.
Step 2
Since then, the charter of any monastery invariably includes these basic angelic instructions, facilitating the development of the spirit on the thorny path to the abode of God.
Step 3
The daily routine of each community is somewhat separate, and depends on the geographical location (length of day and night), as well as on weekdays and holidays.
Step 4
Its basic structure is as follows. Early going to bed (in the summer around 19.00, in the winter and even earlier). Midnight rise to the All-Night Prayer (with sleep interruptions). Then at 3-4 in the morning - morning prayer. Wake up at sunrise (5-6 hours) for individual prayer. Then the meeting of the monastery (chapter): prayer, reading and listening to scriptures, administrative and disciplinary parts. Then, in full force, the brothers (or sisters) remain for the morning mass, at 7.30. After that, individual prayer again. From 10-11 o'clock, the monks' daily work begins, with a break for lunch and a short rest. From 4 pm to 5 pm evening service, dinner. Around 19.00 - going to bed.
Step 5
It is such a difficult day that every novice has lived for many decades. It is difficult 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-appeal and deep experiences of divine revelations - only strong-minded people can do. That is why, in order to test their spirit and steadfastness of intentions, everyone undergoes a three-year probationary period (temptation) before being tonsured.
