Age at entry into monastic life

[Anthony Ferrara]

Is there a maximum age to enter Orthodox monasteries. I am in my mid 30s and have been praying about the monastic life. I have no family obligations as I have no wife or children to care for. Thank you for any help.

[Herman Blaydoe]

Not that I am aware of. There have been candidates who look to monasticism in their "later" years for centuries, in their 50s, 60s, or beyond. It pretty much depends on the monastery in question and their ability to take in a novice of whatever age. You would have to talk to a monastery of interest directly.

[M.C. Steenberg]

Dear Anthony,

I've heard of one or two monasteries that generally tend not to admit new novices over a certain age; but these are certainly rare. As Herman said in his first reply in this thread, there is a long tradition of monks that began late in life. Monastic tonsure is always a 'new beginning' in any case. One can begein anew at any day, whatever one's age.

INXC, Matthew

[Fr Seraphim (Black)]

I agree with the statements of Matthew and Herman. In general the only condition for monasticism is the desire for repentance. I have seen many people enter in their sixties and even late seventies, whether widowed, or otherwise. As Herman pointed out, it depends on the Monastery and its ability to take monks in the their older years.

When Father Sophrony sent me to the Holy Mountain in the early 1980's due to my ever-declining health, he felt that a larger community (that is, in numbers) would be more accessible. As it turned out, my heart found peace at Stavronikita, the smallest monastery, and the Abbot, Vasilieos was very loving and patient with me.

If it is God's will, there will be a monastic home for you.