Interaction of monasteries with secular society in the 21st century (Western Siberia monasteries for examples)

This article examines the interactions between Christian monastic communities and the rest of Western Siberian society, the influence of monasteries on public life, and, conversely, the impact of the modern world on the very understanding of how a serpentine life should be lived. This article draws on the results of surveys conducted by the author at St. Nicholas Monastery (Bolshekulachye village, Omsk Region) and the Skete of St. John the Theologian of the Znamensky Convent (Chemal village, Altai Republic). Using examples of standard types of interaction between monastic communities and society (Sunday schools, religious services, trade in monastery products, tourism, etc.), significant differences in their relationships with the outside world and their practices are noted. At the same time, they note a generally positive perception of the growing interest of ordinary people in holy places as a factor positively influencing the spiritual health of the Russian people.