#angelic life

Orthodox monasticism is presented as a prophetic and missionary ministry, founded on the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, on prayer, asceticism and the Divine Liturgy, as a living response to the challenges of a desacralised society. The rite of tonsure, repentance, confession and liturgical life are portrayed as essential means of spiritual ascent and of man’s union with God within the Church.

The article analyses the concept of the mind of Christ, as invoked by Saint Paul the Apostle, as the foundation of the Orthodox mission, demonstrating that its attainment through grace, faith, the Holy Sacraments and liturgical life transcends the opposition between reason and faith. With reference to Saints Gregory Palamas, Maximus the Confessor, Macarius the Egyptian and Justin Popovich, the profile of the Orthodox missionary capable of bearing witness to the uncreated light of the Most Holy Trinity is outlined.