Preface
Albert, by the grace of God, patriarch of the Church of Jerusalem, to the beloved sons in Christ B. and other hermits who live under his obedience near the well on Mount Carmel, greetings in the Lord and blessings of the Holy Spirit. The holy Fathers have many times and in many ways1 established how one should live, regardless of their order or choice of monastic life, in following Jesus Christ2 and serve Him faithfully with a pure heart and a good conscience.3 However, since you ask us to give you guidance according to your purpose for your life, from now on, observe the following:
1. The Choice of Abbot
First of all, we establish that you shall have one among you as an abbot. Let him be chosen by the unanimous consent of all or by the more prudent majority. Each of you shall promise him obedience, and when he promises it, let him strive to truly keep it, together with purity and renunciation of ownership.
2. Where to Establish Our Monasteries
You may have your dwellings in solitude, or wherever suitable and appropriate places for your monastic way of life are given, as deemed advantageous by the abbot and the brothers.
3. The Cells of the Brothers
According to the circumstances of the places you choose for habitation, let each of you have a separate cell, as shall be commanded to all by the regulations of the abbot and with the consent of the other brothers or the more prudent part.
4. Common Meals
However, what is presented to you, consume together in the common refectory and during that time, listen to some reading from the Holy Scriptures, where it can be easily preserved.
5. No Changing of Cells
No brother shall be allowed to change his assigned place or exchange it with another, except with the permission of the abbot who will be present at that time.
6. The Abbot's Cell
Let the abbot’s cell be close to the entrance, so that he may first meet those arriving; and according to his decision and regulations, let everything necessary be done.
7. Staying in the Cell
Each shall remain in his cell or nearby, meditating day and night in the law of the Lord and being watchful in prayers, unless otherwise justly occupied.
8. Church Office
Those who know how to pray the Church office with the clergy shall do so according to the establishment of the holy Fathers and the approved custom of the Church. However, those who cannot shall pray 25 times the Our Father at Matins; except on Sundays and feast days, when they shall pray 50 times the Our Father. At morning praises, this prayer is said 7 times, similarly at other hours, except for the evening office, in which it is prayed 15 times (therein: 5 times).
9. No Ownership
Let no brother say that anything is his own, but let everything be common.4 The abbot or the brother entrusted with this office shall distribute to each according to what each one needs.5 In this, let attention be paid to the age and necessity of the individuals. According to need, you may be allowed to have donkeys or mules, also some animals or poultry for sustenance.
10. Chapel and Daily Celebration
When possible, let a chapel be established in the midst of the cells. There, gather daily in the morning for the celebration of Mass, if it can be done.
11. Fasting
Maintain fasting on all days except Sundays, from the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross until the day of the Resurrection of the Lord, unless sickness, physical weakness, or some other just reason advises to abolish the fast, for necessity is not bound by the law.
12. Abstinence from Meat
Refrain from eating meat dishes, unless they are taken as a medicinal remedy in case of illness or weakness. And since you must often beg on the roads, so that you do not become a burden to your hosts, you may take with you cooked dishes with meat outside your homes. Even at sea, you are permitted to eat meat.
13. Spiritual Weapons
Since the life of man on earth is a trial6 and all who desire to live godly in Christ must endure persecution,7 and your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour,8 strive diligently to put on the full armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.9 Let your waist be girded with the belt of chastity. Strengthen your heart with holy thoughts,10 for it is written: A holy thought will keep you safe.11 As a breastplate let righteousness serve you,12 that you may love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength13 and your neighbor as yourself.14 At every opportunity, protect yourself with faith as with a shield, so that you may quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.15 For without faith, it is impossible to please God.16 As a helmet let the hope of salvation serve you17 only from the Savior, who will save His people from their sins.18 The sword of the spirit, which is the Word of God,19 have in full power readily20 in your mouths and in your hearts.21 And whatever you do, it should be done according to the Word of the Lord.22
14. Perseverance in Work to Avoid Idleness
Always engage in some work, so that the devil may find you always employed, so that from your idleness, he cannot find any access to your soul. Your teacher and example in this is Saint Paul. Christ spoke through his mouth; he was appointed and given by God as a herald and teacher of the nations in faith and truth.23 If you follow this, you will not go astray. He says: “When we were with you, we worked night and day, so as not to be a burden to any of you. Not that we do not have this right, but we present ourselves as a model for you to imitate. Yes, even then, when we were with you, we gave you this rule: ‘If anyone does not want to work, let him not eat.’” And now we hear that some of you live disorderly and do nothing. To such people, we strongly command by the authority we have from the Lord Jesus Christ, to work quietly and eat the bread that they earn themselves.24 This is the holy and good way; walk in it.25
15. Silence
The Apostle also recommends silence when he commands to work quietly.26 The prophet also testifies: “The fruit of righteousness is silence.”27 And again: “In silence and hope is your strength.”28 Therefore, we establish that you shall keep silence from Compline until Prime of the next day. At other times, even when such strict silence is not commanded, be nevertheless carefully cautious of the appropriate speaking. For as it is written and experience teaches, excessive talking does not go without sin.29 Further, it is said: “Whoever is reckless in speech will come to ruin.”30 And also: “Whoever talks much harms his own soul.”31 And the Lord says in the Gospel: “And for every idle word that men speak, they will have to give account on the day of judgment.”32 Therefore, let each one take care of their words and fasten their mouths,33 lest they stumble and fall with their tongue and their fall be irreparable unto death.34 Let them heed the prophet on their paths, lest they sin with their tongue. Let them diligently and conscientiously strive to maintain silence, in which is the fruit of righteousness.35
16. Exhortation to the Abbot for Humility
But you, brother B., and whoever will be appointed abbot after you, always keep in mind and practice what the Lord says in the Gospel: “Whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave.”36
17. Exhortation to the Brothers for Respecting the Abbot
You then, other brothers, humbly respect your abbot. See in him rather Christ, who appointed him over you, than his person. For the Prefect of the Church says: “Whoever hears you hears me; whoever despises you despises me.”37 So that you may not be condemned for contempt, but may deserve the reward of eternal life through obedience. We have written this briefly to you, providing a guide by which you should live. However, if anyone does anything in addition, the Lord Himself will reward him when He comes. But let him act with prudence, for prudence governs virtues.
