Instruction to a Novice Monk

Whether you have come to this monastery by the counsel or authority of others, or in some other way, do not be discouraged: it is a visitation of God. If you keep what you have been told, you will be saved yourself, along with your loved ones about whom you are concerned: “I have not seen,” says the Prophet, “the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread”44 (Ps. 36:25). While living in this monastery, observe the following: when standing in church, attend to everything without missing anything; learn the entire order of services—that is, vespers, compline, the midnight office, matins, and the hours—learn to hold all of it in your mind.

If you are in your cell without a handiwork, devote yourself diligently to reading, and especially to the Psalter; try to read each section many times, so as to keep it all in your mind. If there is a handiwork, occupy yourself with it; if you are called to an obedience, go to it. While at your handiwork or while performing some obedience, pray unceasingly: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner. In prayer, attend to yourself—that is, gather your mind and unite it with your soul. At first, for a day or two or more, pray this prayer with the mind alone, separately, attending to each word. Then, when the Lord warms your heart with the warmth of His grace and unites it within you into one spirit45, the prayer will flow in you unceasingly and will always be with you, delighting and nourishing you. This is exactly what is spoken of by the prophet Isaiah: “For the dew that is from You is their healing” (Isa. 26:19). When you hold within yourself this food of the soul—that is, conversation with the Lord Himself—why then would you go visiting the cells of the brothers, even when invited by someone? I tell you truly: that is idle talk and love of idleness. If you do not understand yourself, can you reason about things and teach others? Be silent, unceasingly silent; always remember the presence of God and His name. Do not enter into conversation with anyone, but above all guard yourself from judging those who talk much or who laugh. In this regard be deaf and dumb—whatever may be said about you, let it pass by your ears. You may take as your example Stephen the Younger, whose prayer was unceasing, whose manner was gentle, whose lips were silent, whose heart was humble, whose spirit was tender, whose body and soul were pure, whose virginity was undefiled, whose poverty was true, and whose non-possessiveness was without complaint, whose obedience was diligent, whose work was patient, and whose labor was fervent.

While sitting at table, do not watch or judge who eats how much, but attend to yourself, nourishing your soul with prayer. At dinner eat sufficiently; at supper practice some restraint. On Wednesdays and Fridays, if you are able, eat only once. Each day, sleep without fail during the night for four hours: the 10th, 11th, 12th, and the first hour past midnight; if you grow weak, you may additionally sleep a little during the day. Hold to this firmly until the end of your life, for it is necessary for the rest of your head. I myself have kept to this path from my youth. And we always ask God for rest during the nighttime hours. If you guard yourself in this way, you will not be despondent, but healthy and glad.

I tell you truly: if you conduct yourself in this way, you will remain in the monastery without leaving until the end of your days. Humble yourself, and the Lord will help you, “and He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your judgment as the noonday” (Ps. 36:6), and “your light will shine before men” (Matt. 5:16).