Abbot of the monastery: who is he? The first managers of the monasteries

The abbot of the monastery is a person who devoted himself entirely to serving God and his community. It is difficult to describe in words all the hardships and responsibilities that fall on the shoulders of a monk who has entered this position. Nevertheless, they never lose heart, because all their works are aimed at saving as many souls as possible - to lead them out of the darkness of this mortal world.

So, who is the abbot of the monastery? What are his duties? And how big is the difference between the clergy of the Orthodox and the Catholic faith?

The appearance of the first monasteries

After the ascension of Jesus Christ to heaven, his followers wandered all over the world with a single mission - to bear the word of God. Years passed, power changed faster than wind in the field, and with it, and attitude towards Christians. They were persecuted from everywhere, then accepted as dear guests. And yet, ultimately, most of Europe recognized the new doctrine, which allowed Christians without fear of preaching.

However, many believers were embarrassed by the depravity and atheism that prevailed in the cities. So they decided to leave them and live away from the worldly bustle. Thus, in the beginning of the fourth century, the first Christian monasteries appeared in Europe.

Naturally, this structure required that someone manage it. Therefore, it is not surprising that a post such as the abbot of the monastery appeared. Initially, the Catholics this dignity had a different name (abbot), but the Pope or bishop consecrated it. For the first time this happened around the 6th century.

Catholic Monasteries

Over the years, the role of monasteries in the Catholic world has changed greatly. From the usual monastery monastery, they turned into important administrative units. It used to happen that the abbot of the monastery could manage all the lands that were part of his lot. Such power was the envy of many representatives of the local nobility, and therefore they tried with all their might to seat their man there.

It even went so far that the royal families themselves appointed abbots. In particular, this practice took place during the reign of the Carolingian dynasty from the 7th to the 10th centuries. However, over the years, the Catholic Church regained power, which allowed the rector of the monasteries to be re-appointed at their own discretion.

The abbot of the monastery in Kievan Rus

For Kievan Rus 988 became great - it was then that Prince Vladimir baptized his people. A few years later the first monasteries appeared, which served as a shelter for all who wanted to devote themselves to God.

What was the difference between the abbot of the monastery in Kievan Rus from his colleague from the Catholic Church? First of all, we note: the Orthodox device, borrowed from Byzantium, did not provide for the existence of a system of orders and holy warriors. Russian monks were simple believers, leading an ascetic life.

Therefore, the main task of the abbot of such a monastery was to maintain the moral and material state of the monastery. That is, in the spiritual plan, he watched the monks performing their duties (whether they observe fasting or the sacrament of prayer), and so on. With regard to the material side of the issue, the abbot of the monastery was supposed to keep records of expenses, monitor the condition of buildings, stock up on supplies, and, if necessary, agree on assistance with the synod or local prince.

The modern hierarchy in Orthodox monasteries

And although many centuries have passed since the foundation of the first monastery, their role in the spiritual enlightenment of the faithful has remained unchanged. Therefore it will be very appropriate to talk about who is the abbot of the Orthodox monastery today.

Now the priests administering the temple or monastery are called abbots. This is a very honorable order, and it can be obtained only with the consent of the supreme clergyman, the administrator of that diocese, to which the monastery belongs. If the abbot will prove himself as a wise ruler and show his faith, then over time he will be given a higher title - an archimandrite.

But the priest of a higher rank may be the abbot of the monastery. Moreover, the administration of the laurel is often entrusted to the shoulders of the ruling diocese or even the patriarch. For example, the Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra is under the patronage of the Archimandrite Cyril.

Obligations of the abbot of the monastery

Today, the duties of the abbot of the monastery, like hundreds of years ago, are very extensive. On it lie both spiritual and material problems of his wards. In particular, the abbot of the monastery performs the following tasks:

• Conducts a rite of initiation into monks;
• Monitors compliance with the rules established in the temple;
• Monitors the life of monks - directs to work, recalls the approach of fasting, monitors cleanliness and so on;
• Leads the priesthood in his temple;
• Deals with legal issues (signing contracts, paying bills, storing the seal of the temple);
• Appoints monks to various positions necessary for the monastery.

Finally, it should be noted that the duties performed by the abbot of the monastery are slightly different from those that fall on the shoulders of the ruling female abode. In particular, the abbots do not perform sacred rites, since in Christian faith a woman can not be a priest.