Starets

An Elder (Russian старец " the old man " ) or Starze, Plural Elders has to go through the stages of the Eastern church, monasticism, by mostly lingered for several years in the solitude of a hermitage or cell in order to develop a special relationship with God. He lives in the prayer of God's presence, simplicity of thought, in unremitting ascetic practice and the resulting mystical experience. Under the guidance of a master he has acquired experience in spiritual warfare. He practiced the unceasing prayer ( Jesus Prayer ), and in the heart of knowledge he leads a life in Christ. On his spiritual journey studying the Philokalia it is a great help.

Elders have meaning as a spiritual teacher and spiritual guide of novices and lay people. Elder is not an ecclesiastical office as a deacon, priest or abbot ( Igumen, Archimandrite ) dar. literally means elder venerable old man. Inside the monastery, it is responsible no administrative function.

Center of the Starzentums (Russian старчество ) is traditionally the monk colony on Mount Athos. There also lived the famous starets Silouan, who was of Russian origin. Also Russian origin and was very well known Elder Leonid.

Elder Leonid ( real name Lev Nagolkin ) entered 1796 in a hermitage in Oryol and lived there as a hermit. He was a sought-after spiritual teacher and students gathered around. Through him the Starzentum became widely known.

Elder Silouan ( 1866-24. September 1938 ) occurred in 1892 in the colony a monk on Mount Athos. First, Silouan craftsmanship dedicated tasks in the monastery, later he retired to a hermitage. He became one of the most famous spiritual fathers of the Eastern Church.

The Russian monk Seraphim of Sarov was the most important Russian starets of the 19th century.