Entering a Monastery (Teachings of the Orthodox Church)

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And if thy hand cause thee to stumble, cut it off: it is good for thee to enter into life maimed, rather than having thy two hands to go into hell, into the unquenchable fire. where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thy foot cause thee to stumble, cut it off: it is good for thee to enter into life halt, rather than having thy two feet to be cast into hell, where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thine eye cause thee to stumble, cast it out: it is good for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell; where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

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	Entering a Monastery (Teachings of the Orthodox Church)

QUESTION:

I am a student who is convinced of the vanity and folly of this world and who would like to achieve inner peace the only way it is possible, through Jesus Christ.

Is monastic life the solution?

ANSWER:

Unfortunately, since I know nothing of your personal situation -- age, status, education, church involvement, etc. -- I cannot advise you as to whether the monastic life is a solution to your quest for inner peace.

I would caution, however, that monastic life should never be looked at as a way to avoid others or the problems of this world. Monasticism should not be seen as a way to "run away" from something; rather, it should be viewed as a "running to" Jesus Christ.

I would strongly advise that you discuss your concerns with your parish priest or spiritual Father, who would know your mind and soul much better than I would.

Published in January 2011.

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