FROM THE SACRED CANONS

WE FIND that indiscreet and unapproved renunciations are ravaging monastic decorum to a great extent. For some persons impetuously flinging themselves into the solitary mode of life, and owing to the roughness and painfulness of asceticism giving it scant affection, wretchedly relapse again into a flesh-loving and pleasurable life. The holy Council has therefore decreed that no one shall lay claim to the monastic habit until after the expiration of a term of three years, allowing them to prove their worthiness, they turn out adequate and fit to take up such a mode of life in earnest; and it has bidden this to prevail by all means as the rule; unless, nevertheless, it should so happen anywhere that some grave disease has overtaken the person, making it necessary to shorten the period of trial; or unless, nevertheless, there should be anywhere a person so reverent as to lead a monachal life even in a worldly habit - for in the case of such a man even a six month’s period of trial is sufficient for a thorough test. If anyone does anything contrary to these words, the abbot, on the one hand, shall pay the penalty by forfeiting his abbotship for his irregularity and be compelled to conduct himself as an obedientiary; the monastic, on the other hand, shall be consigned to another monastery which observes monachal strictness.

Canon V of the So-Called First and Second Council
Held in the Church of the Holy Apostles, Constantinople, 861 A.D.

A Prayer for our Enemies

THOU, Who didst pray for them that crucified Thee, O Lord, Lover of the souls of men, and Who didst command Thy servants to pray for their enemies, forgive those who hate and wrong us, and turn our lives from all harm and evil to brotherly love and good works. For this we humbly bring our prayer, that with one accord and one heart we may glorify Thee, Who alone lovest mankind.