Features of the development of Russian monasticism and monasteries in the XIV century

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of the peculiarities of the development of Russian monasticism and monasteries in the 14th century. The role of St. Peter is shown. St. Sergius of Radonezh, St. Sergius of Radonezh. Kirill Belozersky and St. Peter the Great. Dionysius of Suzdal in the evolution of the character of monastic life in Russia. It is concluded that the monastic tradition of the 14th century is undergoing profound changes. In this regard, an important factor, in particular, was the introduction of a monastic cenobitic charter, following the example of the charter of the Jerusalem monasteries, with strict regulation of internal life, food, decoration, order, discipline, strong and significant authority, and the will of the abbot, who became the central figure of monastic life. This charter provided an opportunity for the most effective organization of large monastic communities, in which the brethren, due to their spiritual lack of experience, did not yet have the skills of self-control in order to lead a true ascetic lifestyle befitting a monk. The charter formed an environment in which the novice monk was given the opportunity to move most correctly along the path of monasticism. The monastery served not only as a monastic refuge from the temptations of the world, but also as an administrative, economic and intellectual center. This way of monastic life and the type of organization of the monastery have become decisive for Russian monasticism in the future, up to the present.