16,951
edits
Changes
m
__TOC____TOC_The process of becoming a [[monk]] or [[nun]] is intentionally slow, as the [[vows]] taken are considered to entail a life-long commitment to [[God]], and are not to be entered into lightly. After completing the novitiate, there are three ranks within monasticism. There is only one monastic habit in the Orthodox Church (with certain slight regional variations), and it is the same for both monks and nuns. Each successive grade is given a portion of the habit, the full habit being worn only by those in the highest grade, known for that reason as the "Great Schema," or "Great Habit." One is free to enter any [[monastery]] of one's choice; but after being accepted by the [[abbot]] (or abbess) and making vows, one may not move from place to place without the blessing of one's ecclesiastical superior.
link
There are three '''monastic ranks''': the '''Rassaphore''', the '''Stavrophore''', and the '''Schema-Monk''' (or Schema-Nun). Each of the three degrees represents an increased level of [[asceticism]]. In the early days of [[monasticism]], there was only one level—the Great Schema.
The word schema comes from the Greek word "σχήμα" (skhēma), which means ''shape''. The Greek plural is "σχήματα" (skhēmata). In English, both ''schemas'' and ''schemata'' are used as plural form.