A '''monk''' or '''nun''' is one who has taken the vows and received the [[tonsure]] of [[monasticism]]. In the Eastern churches, unlike in the West, there were never developed separate orders. Rather, each [[monastery ]] developed its own rhythm and order with certain commonalities among all Orthodox monasteries.

==Levels==Generally, it can be said that there are four levels with regards to monks; although even what these levels mean can vary from place to place.# [[Novice]]# [[Monastic Ranks|Rassophore Monk]] (lit. 'Cassock-bearing Monk')# [[Monastic Ranks|Stavrophore Monk]] (lit. 'Cross-bearing Monk')# [[Schemamonk]] ==See also==*[[Monastic Ranks]] {{stubincomplete}}