Monasticism in the Orthodox Christian Tradition - an attempt at critical evaluation of the phenomenon
Abstract
From the earliest times we find the distinction between the creation of man in the image of God and in the likeness of God in the writings of some of the Church Fathers. Man was created in the image of God, but he had yet to attain his likeness, to become like God, to achieve full theosis.
According to Father John Romanides monasticism is called the apostolic life in ancient times. To live an apostolic life means to be in the state of constant remembrance of God - to have the continuous noetic prayer.
The only new thing that appears in monasticism is celibacy. Zeal for purity and monastic asceticism led to many spiritual gifts to Christian perfection, to illumination of the nous and to theosis.
But when the monastic asceticism was not applied in the spirit of spiritual discernement it led to terrible evils and many tragedies. As Dr.
F. W.
Farrar remarked: nature avenged herself on those who violated her laws.