What is Scientific Monasticism? According to the Works and Letters of St. Ignatius (Bryanchaninov)

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to show that the true monastic vocation is not in the external side of monastic life, but in the internal feat of incessant prayer for the sake of unity with God. To do this, the author analyzes the position on this issue of the St. Ignatius (Bryanchaninov), one of the outstanding figures of monasticism. The author also draws the works of Abba Isaac the Syrian, hieromonk Dorotheus, St. Paisius Velichkovsky. The author concludes that a learned monk should properly be called not one who is versed in theoretical theology, but one who owns the science of the Sciences - asceticism, while relying on a deep knowledge of the patristic doctrine of the struggle with the passions and virtues, ardently labors in the fulfillment of the commandments of Christ.