St. Philaret (Drozdov) on overcoming monastic conflicts

The article is devoted to the problem of monastic interpersonal relationships and conflicts. The purpose of the work is to study the ways of resolving conflicts in the monastic environment proposed by St. Philaret (Drozdov). The study points out the behavioral styles of leaders in conflict, interpersonal compatibility and/or incompatibility of participants. Typical monastic conflict situations are considered: expressing grievances and displeasures; collective or individual writing of complaints; verbal bickering; hitting or beating; enmity; oppression, etc. The study also considers typical monastic conflict situations. On the material of Metropolitan Philaret’s letters, opinions and resolutions the peculiarities and types of conflicts, the algorithm of their manifestations are analyzed. The novelty of the work lies in the use of comparative-historical method and the method of critical analysis of sources in highlighting and systematizing the attitude of Metropolitan Philaret to the problem of monastic relations. Conclusions are drawn about the predominant importance for monks of the virtue of patience, trust in God’s help in situations of discord and contradictions. It is argued that it is not useful for a monk to do without difficulties and oppressions, since they keep his soul in humility.