The Solitary Exercise in Cenobitic Life Αccording to Saint Theodore the Studite

This paper traces the foundations of cenobitic life through the Studite cenobitic reform of the 9th century AD. By analyzing the Catechisms, a work of St. Theodore the Studite, the backbone of the monastic regulation of the life of his community is presented. It is an attempt to analyze some of the most basic topics that are found throughout the two collections of Catecheses, the Small and the Great. The themes that we have gathered are: the imitation of Christ, Saint Apostles and Holy Fathers, obedience, chastity, spiritual fatherhood, love, holy communion, unity, virtues, ascetic struggles, confirmation of faith, learning God by dogma and ethics. It is evident, throughout Theodore’s scriptures, how intense an interest he took in the monks individually, how he delighted in their progress, and mourned when they drifted away from virtuous living. He never forgets the great diversity of character among the men with whom he has to deal. He feels egalitarian towards others, in such a way that many times he levels himself to the audience. The labour of all in the monastery, however different in kind, is directed to the same end and is a form of divine service. Their common sufferings are the foreteller of common joys to come. Generally speaking, it is concluded that cenobitic life, according to Saint Theodore, is one way for people who have promised to perform the monastic profession that leads to the “Prototype” of the souls, to eternal life in Paradise. Christ is the beginning and end of the spiritual quest at the same time and certainly rewards the monks who try to reach him with enlightenment, joy and peacefulness from this very life.