“For those setting out upon the monastic path, or indeed for those who have been setting out upon it each day for many years, this book presents essential instruction in monastic life for women, and a consoling affirmation of the joys and sorrows that lie ahead, a reminder of just what the nun has undertaken and why. However, this purpose by no means excludes those readers who do not intend to enter a monastery, who have some other God-given place in the Church. After all, monastic life is first and foremost a daily decision to give your life to God, to take up your cross and follow Him (cf. Mk. 10:21), to put your hand to the plough without looking back (cf. Lk. 9:62), and to let the dead bury their dead (Mt. 8:22). All of these quotes from the Gospels of the Lord are intended to reach every Christian. In our times, as so many people are observing an eclectic religion or no religion at all, the Lord’s commandments come as news to many, and the practice of taking up our cross and following Him is indeed something requiring instruction and study.” —“INTRODUCTION”
CONTENTS
List of Illustrations About Abbess Thaisia Introduction Foreword Letter 1 Upon Entering the Monastery Letter 2 On the Origin of Monasticism Letter 3 On Submission to Elders Letter 4 On Obedience Letter 5 On Mutual Love Letter 6 On the Duties of a Choir Singer Letter 7 On Excesses in Attire Letter 8 On Superfluous Cares in General Letter 9 On Idle Talk and Gossip Letter 10 On the Inevitability of Sorrows Letter 11 On Illnesses and Their Cures Letter 12 On Prayer Letter 13 On Interior (“Mental”) Prayer Letter 14 On the Tonsure into Monasticism Index
Item Number: BKX284 Publication Data: Wildwood, CA: St. Xenia Skete, 2005 Format: softcover Number of Pages: 110 Dimensions (l × w × h): 21.0 cm × 13.4 cm × 0.8 cm Additional Information: black-and-white illustrations ISBN: 0‒938635‒43‒3
