Правило 40

Since clinging to God, moving away from everyday worries, is very saving, we should not, without testing, untimely accept those who choose monastic life, but we must also act with them according to the rule taught to us by the fathers: the vow of life according to God must be accepted as already firm and stemming from free will and reasoning when the mind reaches perfect maturity. So, those who intend to take on the yoke of monasticism should not be younger than 10 years, and it is in the power of the primate to test whether it would be more useful for him to extend the period of entry into monastic life and establishment in it. Although Basil the Great in his sacred rules stipulates that those who voluntarily dedicate themselves to God and love virginity should be included in the rank of virgins upon reaching the age of 17, however, by analogy with what is said about widows and deaconesses, we indicated a different age for those who chose monastic life. For the Divine Apostle ordained that a widow should be chosen in the Church for 60 years (1 Tim. 5:9). And the sacred rules allowed the ordination of a deaconess at the age of 40, since they took into account that the Church, by Divine grace, has become stronger and is advancing further, and that the faithful are firm and unshakable in keeping the Divine commandments. We also fully noticed this and made a determination accordingly, quickly sealing the one who intends to begin deeds according to God with the blessing of grace, as if with some kind of seal. Thus, we encourage him not to hesitate for long and not to deviate, but most of all we exhort him to choose the good and establish himself in it.