Schema dress

Schema (from other Greek - σχῆμα - image) - solemn vow of Orthodox monks to observe especially strict ascetic rules of conduct. Schema is also called monastic vestments, a collection of monk's clothes.

We got a catalogs in which photos of two monks of schemes in Russia in the beginning of the XX-th century.

There are several preparatory degrees of Orthodox monasticism, but the monastic vows in Schema are: Small Schema (or mantle) and Great Schema. If they say about the schema without specifying, then they mean the Great Scheme.

Originally it meant a monastic robe. Schemists in the early Christianity (III-V centuries AD) mostly went to the Egyptian deserts. Some of them, such as St. Pachomius the Great, later founded or joined existing monasteries. Many devotees are listed as saints.

When tonsuring in a small schema (or mantle), the veiled one is changed by the name, and he gives obeisances, obedience, and chastity. The vestments of a little demi-convineman consist of cassock, parama (special quadrangular plates), hood, monastic mantle (another name is pallium), rosary, special shoes (sandals).

The great schema is declared as the most perfect alienation from the world for the union with God. A monk who has accepted a great schema, otherwise - a great angelic image, is called a schemonch, or a schemer. The monk's tonsure in the great schema takes place solemnly and longer than in the small one.

The healer gives special vows, while changing the name again. Moreover, it should be noted that the monk receives another holy patron (that is, after every change of name for him, more and more saints intercede before God).

The vows of the great schema are in fact a repetition of the vows of the small schema, but, following the repetition, they are obliged to an even more strict observance of them.

In Russian monasteries, the ascetics usually live separately from the other brethren and do not engage in any obedience, except for the ministry of liturgy and spirituality. Bishops-devotees resign from the administration of the diocese, monastic priests are exempt from all duties.

Vestments of the Schema: cassock, analav (special paraman), cuckoo (pointed cap with crosses), mantle, rosary, sandals, belt, chiffon.