well we dont really limit ourselves to the 7 Sacraments -- really the entire faith is a mystery that brings us into communion with God, and many people would include a monastic tonsuring as a sacramental act of the Church (Fr. Seraphim Rose especially noted the grace he felt from this rite).
__________________ "Acquire a peaceful spirit and 1000s around you will be saved"--St. Seraphim
”For as it is not yet six thousand years since the first man, who is called Adam, are not those to be ridiculed rather than refuted who try to persuade us of anything regarding a space of time so different from, and contrary to, the ascertained truth?” St. Augustine
Point taken and understood.
It is however pretty well understood that both callings are of God and both require difficult ascetic practice. I do not know that one should be elevated over another.
__________________ TROPARION; TONE 4
As a faithful ascetic of Saint Herman / you flowered as a spiritual rose in Platina / As an illuminator of Orthodoxy in America / your writings bring hope throughout the world / Having taught us the True Faith / Oh Blessed Seraphim / pray to God for us.
well think about St. Paul's words that if you are single you can devote your whole life to God whereas if you're married your interests are divided. Additionally, when Christ preaches that divorce is adultery the disciples say well perhaps its better to not even get married then, and Jesus replies (basically) well, some aren't able to accept this, but it is given to some to accept this. He then talks about how some become eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom, and says "He who is able to accept it, let him accept it."
St. Gregory the Theologian says in his 2nd Paschal Oration (Oration XLV): "and in all points except sin was made Man; conceived by the Virgin, who first in body and soul was purified by the Holy Ghost, for it was needful both that Child-bearing should be honoured and that Virginity should receive a higher honour. "
Elsewhere he says (I don't have the quote handy) that marriage is not dishonored just because we honor virginity more.
St. John of Damascus says: "Virginity is the rule of life among the angels, the property of all incorporeal nature. This we say without speaking ill of marriage: God forbid! (for we know that the Lord blessed marriage by His presence, but knowing that virginity is better than marriage, however good." Exact Exposition of the Orthodox Faith, Book 4.24 "Concerning Virginity"
Other Fathers say the same thing essentially.
But, marriage is the appropriate (and thus better) path for most people. But this doesn't mean we should try to rob virginity/monasticism of its higher honor.
__________________ "Acquire a peaceful spirit and 1000s around you will be saved"--St. Seraphim
”For as it is not yet six thousand years since the first man, who is called Adam, are not those to be ridiculed rather than refuted who try to persuade us of anything regarding a space of time so different from, and contrary to, the ascertained truth?” St. Augustine
well think about St. Paul's words that if you are single you can devote your whole life to God whereas if you're married your interests are divided. Additionally, when Christ preaches that divorce is adultery the disciples say well perhaps its better to not even get married then, and Jesus replies (basically) well, some aren't able to accept this, but it is given to some to accept this. He then talks about how some become eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom, and says "He who is able to accept it, let him accept it."
St. Gregory the Theologian says in his 2nd Paschal Oration (Oration XLV): "and in all points except sin was made Man; conceived by the Virgin, who first in body and soul was purified by the Holy Ghost, for it was needful both that Child-bearing should be honoured and that Virginity should receive a higher honour. "
Elsewhere he says (I don't have the quote handy) that marriage is not dishonored just because we honor virginity more.
St. John of Damascus says: "Virginity is the rule of life among the angels, the property of all incorporeal nature. This we say without speaking ill of marriage: God forbid! (for we know that the Lord blessed marriage by His presence, but knowing that virginity is better than marriage, however good." Exact Exposition of the Orthodox Faith, Book 4.24 "Concerning Virginity"
Other Fathers say the same thing essentially.
But, marriage is the appropriate (and thus better) path for most people. But this doesn't mean we should try to rob virginity/monasticism of its higher honor.
Forgive me for misunderstanding you.
__________________ TROPARION; TONE 4
As a faithful ascetic of Saint Herman / you flowered as a spiritual rose in Platina / As an illuminator of Orthodoxy in America / your writings bring hope throughout the world / Having taught us the True Faith / Oh Blessed Seraphim / pray to God for us.
__________________ "Acquire a peaceful spirit and 1000s around you will be saved"--St. Seraphim
”For as it is not yet six thousand years since the first man, who is called Adam, are not those to be ridiculed rather than refuted who try to persuade us of anything regarding a space of time so different from, and contrary to, the ascertained truth?” St. Augustine
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