As we start to speak of the institutes and rules of monasteries, where could we better begin, with God's help, than with the very garb of the monks? After having exposed their outward appearance to view we shall then be able to discuss, in logical sequence, their inner worship. And so, it is proper for …
When a person sees a monk, they immediately notice that he is wearing a monastic hood embroidered with crosses and with a split down the middle. The monastic hood or cowl, along with other pieces of clothing formed the monastic habit which Evagrius Ponticus outlines in his work The Praktikos. Evagrius writes “….an explanation of …
The Eskeem is a Coptic word which means ‘shape’ it is a string of plaited leather with crosses in equal distances, it surrounds the chest and the back. Two big crosses are in it; one at the chest, and one at the back, then 12 more crosses. The hermits who has reached high levels of …
Why Do the Monks wear Black? It has been recorded in the monastic literature such as the (Historia Monachorum) that the community of monks that gathered around abba Apollo looked like an “army of angels, drawn up in perfect order, robed in white.” It also says about abba Or that the monks lived with him …
Why do we address Bishops as Rabbi “My lord”? While we have one Lord God. Who said: "But you, do not be called 'Rabbi'; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren”. (Mat 23:8) The Lord Jesus uttered these words to criticise the pride of the pharisees and the scribes. (Mat …
How do I convince my family and friend about my monastic calling? When Moses asked Pharaoh to let the children of Israel go to the wilderness to worship their God, Pharaoh refused and even gave orders to his workers, “You shall no longer give the people straw to make brick as before. Let them go …
