How to know if you are called for monasticism or the convent?

By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-10

Discerning a vocation to monasticism is a profound spiritual journey that requires careful guidance, prayer, and testing. In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, monasticism—often called the "Angelic Life"—is not merely an escape from the world, but a total consecration to God through the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

Here is how one may discern this calling according to our Holy Church:

1. The Internal Desire and Spiritual Mirror

As noted in The Ladder of Divine Ascent, prayer serves as the monk's mirror. A true calling is often characterized by a persistent, inward drawing toward a life of solitude and prayer that does not fade over time. St. John Climacus notes that while many may be busy with various tasks, the one called to the monastic life prioritizes the "hour of prayer" above all else. If you find that your soul is only at rest when in communion with and that worldly pursuits—even good ones—feel like a distraction from the "one thing needful," this may be the beginning of a vocation.

2. Guidance of a Spiritual Father (Abouna)

In the Coptic Orthodox Church, no one decides to become a monk or nun in isolation. The most critical step is to have a long-term, transparent relationship with a Father of Confession. He will help you distinguish between a genuine calling and a temporary emotional state or a desire to flee from worldly problems. A true monastic calling is a "flight toward Christ," not a "flight away from trouble."

3. The Period of Probation (Postulancy)

The Church provides a practical way to test a vocation through the stage of being a "brother" or "sister" (postulant) at a monastery or convent.

• Testing Obedience: In the Paradise of the Holy Fathers, we see that the elders often tested the humility of those seeking the life. For instance, when a heathen priest asked Abba Macarius to make him a monk, it was only after witnessing the Abba’s humility and virtue that he was accepted.
• Detachment: You must be willing to let go of everything. As seen in the lives of the Desert Fathers, when thieves came to an old man's cell, he told them to "take whatsoever ye please." This spirit of non-possession is central to the monastic life.

4. Peace and Consistency

A divine calling is usually accompanied by a sense of hirini* - peace. If the thought of the monastery brings a deep, lasting peace despite the realization of the hardships involved (fasting, vigils, and metanoias), it is a positive sign. Conversely, if the desire is born of anger toward the world, the Jews, or heretics, or out of depression, it lacks the foundation of Christ’s love which is necessary to sustain a monk through years of solitude.

5. Practical Steps for Discernment:

• Visit Monasteries: Spend time in retreats at various monasteries or convents to observe the rhythm of the Church services and the manual labor.
• Study the Lives of the Saints: Read the lives of St. Anthony the Great, St. Macarius, and the mothers like St. Sarah or St. Syncletica.
• Increased Rule of Prayer: Under your confession father's guidance, gradually increase your use of the Agpeya and your practice of the Jesus Prayer.

Ultimately, as the ACTS Catalog notes regarding ordination, the final decision rests exclusively within the hierarchy of the Church and the specific Abbot or Abbess of the monastery. They are given the grace of discernment to see if a candidate is truly called by to join their community.