Editing Nun (section)

=== Eastern Orthodox ===
{{Main|Eastern Christian Monasticism}}
[[File:Saint Sofia of Suzdal crop.jpg|thumb|right|[[Solomonia Saburova|Saint Sophia]] of [[Suzdal]], wearing the full monastic habit of a [[Schemanun]]]]
[[File:Монахиња у Градцу.jpg|thumb|right|Nun in [[Gradac Monastery|Gradac]], Serbian orthodox monastery]]

In the Eastern Orthodox Church there is no distinction between a monastery for women and one for men. In [[Greek language|Greek]], [[Russian language|Russian]], and other languages of primarily Christian Orthodox nations, both domiciles are called "monasteries" and the ascetics who live therein are "monastics". In English, however, it is acceptable to use the terms "nun" and "convent" for clarity and convenience. The term for an abbess is the feminine form of abbot (''[[hegumen]]'') – Greek: ἡγουμένη (''hegumeni''); {{langx|sr|игуманија }} (''igumanija''); Russian: игумения (''[[igumenia]]''). Orthodox monastics do not have distinct "orders" as in Western Christianity. Orthodox monks and nuns lead identical spiritual lives.<ref>Archpriest Seraphim Slobodskoy, ''The Law of God'' (Printshop of St. Job of Pochaev, Jordanville, NY, {{ISBN|0884650448}}), p. 618.</ref> There may be slight differences in the way a monastery functions internally but these are simply differences in style (Gr. ''[[typica]]'') dependent on the abbess or [[abbot]]. The abbess is the spiritual leader of the convent and her authority is absolute (no [[priest]], [[bishop]], or even [[patriarch]] can override an abbess within the walls of her monastery). Abbots and Abbesses rank in authority equal to bishops in many ways and were included in [[ecumenical council]]s. Orthodox monasteries are usually associated with a local synod of bishops by jurisdiction, but are otherwise self-governing. Abbesses hear [[Confession (religion)|confession]]s (but do not [[absolution|absolve]]) and dispense [[blessing]]s on their charges, though they still require the services of a [[presbyter]] (i.e., a priest) to celebrate the [[Divine Liturgy]] and perform other priestly functions, such as the absolution of a penitent.

In general, Orthodox monastics have little or no contact with the outside world, especially family. The pious family whose child decides to enter the monastic profession understands that their child will become "dead to the world" and therefore be unavailable for social visits.

There are a number of different levels that the nun passes through in her profession:

{{Main|Degrees of Eastern Orthodox monasticism}}

*'''Novice –''' When one enters a monastery the first three to five years are spent as a [[novitiate|novice]]. Novices may or may not (depending on the abbess's wishes) dress in the black inner robe ([[cassock|Isorassa]]); those who do will also usually wear the [[apostolnik]] or a black [[scarf]] tied over the head (see photo, above). The isorassa is the first part of the monastic "[[Religious habit|habit]]" of which there is only one style for Orthodox monastics (this is true in general, there have been a few slight regional variations over the centuries, but the style always seems to precipitate back to a style common in the 3rd or 4th century). If a novice chooses to leave during the novitiate period no penalty is incurred.
*'''Rassaphore –''' When the abbess deems the novice ready, the novice is asked to join the monastery. If she accepts, she is [[tonsure]]d in a formal service during which she is given the outer robe ([[Cassock|Exorassa]]) and veil ([[Epanokamelavkion]]) to wear, and (because she is now dead to the world) receives a new name. Nuns consider themselves part of a sisterhood; however, tonsured nuns are usually addressed as "Mother" (in some convents, the title of "Mother" is reserved to those who enter into the next level of Stavrophore).
*'''Stavrophore –''' The next level for monastics takes place some years after the first tonsure when the abbess feels the nun has reached a level of discipline, dedication, and [[humility]]. Once again, in a formal service the nun is elevated to the "Little Schema" which is signified by additions to her habit of certain symbolic articles of clothing. In addition, the abbess increases the nun's [[prayer rule]], she is allowed a stricter personal ascetic practice.
*'''Great Schema –''' The final stage, called "Megaloschemos" or "[[Great Schema]]" is reached by nuns whose Abbess feels they have reached a high level of excellence. In some monastic traditions the Great Schema is only given to monks and nuns on their death bed, while in others they may be elevated after as little as 25 years of service.
{| border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin:auto;"
|[[File:Nevrev-Princess.jpg|thumb|''Princess Praskovya Yusupova Before Becoming a Nun'', [[Nikolai Nevrev]], 1886]]
|[[File:Nun flowers black white.JPG|thumb|''The Way of Humility'': [[Russian Orthodox]] nun working at [[Ein Karem]], [[Jerusalem]]]]
|}