Disorder in Monastic Life and Possibilities of its Resolution (Based on the Early History of the Kiev-Pechersk Monastery)

Unlike private monasteries that, as a rule, existed on the funds of its founder and were relatively closed corporations, the Pechersk community was in dire need of communication with the world. This connection ensured an influx of new monks and financial assistance, which was the key to the sustainable development of the community. The significant growth of the brotherhood led to the need for a normative organization of its life, which resulted in the introduction of the Studite communal charter in the monastery. It was intended to protect the inhabitants of the Caves from internal conflicts. Even though the Charter was introduced in all its severity and completeness, a number of its provisions soon began to be systematically violated, and conflicts and strife began to break out between the monks. Most often, these disturbances arose based on non-compliance with statutory norms, although personal quarrels also occurred. The decisive role in their regulation was played by the administration – the abbot, the cathedral elders, the monastery “chiefs”.