At an Orthodox monastery, you can live as a laborer, novice or volunteer. People who work in the monastery for a salary are sometimes also lodged in premises on its territory.
Necessary
internet, telephone
Instructions
Step 1
Workers and volunteers are people who work in the monastery. The latter, unlike the former, are not required to attend church services. A novice is a person preparing to become a monk. He has not yet taken tonsure, but already lives according to the rules for the brethren. He is allowed to wear a cassock, rosary, and skufu. To become a novice, you need to write a petition to the Steward of the monastery.
Step 2
Define your goal. If you want to learn about the monastic way of life, it makes sense to stay in the monastery as a laborer, volunteer, or get a job there. One should become a novice only when the intention to leave the world for a monastery is serious. In any case, it is advisable to consult with a confessor before making a decision.
Step 3
If you want to earn income while in the monastery, try to get a job there. Monasteries sometimes hire builders, cooks, and tour guides.
Step 4
Choose a suitable location. The necessary information can be found on the Internet. Ask the priest you are confessing for advice. You can visit the famous monastery (on Valaam, for example, people willingly accept those who want to work).
Step 5
If you think that you will not return to the world, take your choice of a monastery seriously. It will be difficult to leave her, becoming a novice. Pay attention to the quiet, uncrowded monasteries.
Step 6
Contact the monastery. Some of them have their own pages on the Internet, where there are addresses to write to. Sometimes on the websites of monasteries they place questionnaires for workers, filling out which you need to tell about yourself. It is desirable to be a healthy and churched person.
Step 7
When you agree to stay at the monastery, pack your things. You will need documents (if you do not plan to get a job officially, a passport is enough) and personal belongings. The list should be checked with the representatives of the monastery. So, bed linen is provided somewhere, and somewhere they are asked to take with them.
Step 8
Pick up your clothes. Open things cannot be worn in the monastery. Women should wear long skirts and headscarves.
Step 9
Don't take computers and other electronics unnecessarily. Take a break from worldly things.
Step 10
You will be provided with accommodation and food. In addition, the workers in the monastery, as a rule, can order a commemoration for free (submit notes of health and repose).
Step 11
Be prepared to obey the rules of the monastery. Remember to take a blessing before doing anything. The spouses live separately. Mat, drinking alcohol, cheeky behavior is strictly prohibited.
