Orthodox Monastic Eldership as a Form of Traditional Pedagogy

Abstract

The article provides a general idea of the tradition of Orthodox monastic eldership as a form of traditional pedagogy. Two interrelated components of eldership are considered: institutional and charismatic. A conclusion is made about the need to combine both components for a full-fledged opportunity to perform the elder’s ministry. The question of the existence of modern elders is examined, which is resolved negatively in the institutional sense and positively in the charismatic sense. The fruitfulness of relying modern pedagogy on the traditional elder experience is indicated.