When the world changes and becomes corrupted, it also influences monasticism. Monasticism, however, must remain unchanged. The degradation of Orthodox monasticism during periods of secularization is unacceptable.
The ecclesiastical ethos must always remain unaffected. The preservation of the message and contribution of the monastic ideal must not change; rather, it must continue to offer the spirit of asceticism, self-restraint, and humility, all of which are essential to life. Whenever monasticism flourished, it bestowed glory upon the body of the Church. The world considers monasticism unnecessary, something outdated and useless, and sometimes even harmful.
Even people who claim to belong to the Church view with reservation the departure of young people for monasteries, arguing that society needs them more to meet its own needs. The dedication of young people who are well-trained, educated, and talented, and their enclosure within monasteries, is considered a mistake. Monasticism, however, is a purely ecclesiastical institution and has brought forth a multitude of saints. The ascetic, hesychastic, and prayerful spirit of many holy men in the deserts and monasteries revealed the exalted and noble character of this life, which has been called angelic.