Two Monks Tonsured into Small Schema at Holy Cross Monastery

Photo: holycross.org

WAYNE, WV — Two rassophore monks were tonsured into the Small Schema on March 14/27, the feast of St. Benedict of Nursia, marking a significant step in their monastic life. The rite was led by Abbot Gabriel and expresses the Church’s lived belief that monastic tonsure is a true new beginning in Christ—like a second Baptism, marked by repentance, dedication, and a wholly renewed life in Him.

The service began after Matins with the Akathist to the Theotokos, as the brotherhood processed between churches. The candidates, clothed in white baptismal garments, were presented before the abbot, who questioned them on their vows. Through the traditional tonsuring—the cutting of hair in the form of a cross—they received new names and were vested in the full monastic habit: Fr. David became Monk George, and Fr. Aaron became Monk Ambrose.

In his exhortation, Abbot Gabriel reflected on sacrifice, drawing on the example of Abraham and the Mother of God. He urged the newly tonsured monks to offer their lives fully to Christ, embracing the path of humility and obedience as a means to eternal joy in Christ.

Previously, the UOJ reported that seven tonsures marked a solemn night at Jordanville Monastery.

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