Obedience as the Transfiguration of Work
Archimandrite Zacharias reminds us that the true value of our labor, whether sweeping a floor, preparing a meal, or carrying out some hidden task, lies not in its efficiency or visibility but in the humility and obedience with which it is offered. In the world, people may indeed carry out such tasks more effectively than monks. Yet in the monastery, these same works are transfigured because they are performed consciously for God, in obedience and in the service of the community that centers its life upon the Divine Liturgy.
The lesson here is not only for the cloistered life but for every Christian. If we work self-willed, seeking our own initiative and glory, we sow disorder, pride, and strife. But if we take up even the smallest duty entrusted to us, quietly, faithfully, and with a peaceful heart, we allow our life to be woven into the harmony of the Body of Christ. Such obedience preserves peace, builds stability, and frees us from the distractions of negligence or disorder, so that our mind may be lifted in prayer.
This teaching reveals that Christian life as a whole is liturgical: even the humblest tasks, performed in love and obedience, prepare the ground for worship and for the encounter with God. The one who cleans with care, who orders his life with diligence, who bears with patience his allotted share, this person becomes a living liturgy, whose very obedience glorifies God.
We must do our work with humility, knowing for Whom we are working. This awareness changes everything. People living in the world must complete the same tasks as monks in the monastery - cooking, tidying and so on - and often do so more effectively. However, in the monastery this work has an eternal dimension because it is done in the name of God to ensure that the Liturgy remains at the centre of our life.
I have observed another phenomenon in monastic life: some people are extremely capable and carry out many difficult and important tasks, but when they take initiative and are self-willed, they lose all benefit because they inevitably criticise others and lack humility. He who obeys with a peaceful heart and faithfully attends to the small area of life that has been allotted to him is more precious. It is very important for each one to secure a small part of common life in obedience, so that the whole body of the community may function smoothly, This is why Scripture says: 'Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of many good things with strife,’ and 'Better is a little with righteousness, than abundant fruits with unrighteousness.’
Let each one fulfil his duty whether small or great; let each one do his share with diligence and steadfastness, so that the Hegumen can be assured that all aspects of life are attended to: the lavatories will be cleaned, the common rooms will be tidied, and work will be done at the right time. In this way, the monastery runs like clockwork and we have stability and peace in our life. Then we can go to church without wondering whether we left a door open, a light on, or an appliance plugged in because of our carelessness.
The monk who prays is careful with the things of the monastery. Once an older Father said to me: 'Some smash plates and cause damage as if to prove how concentrated they are in prayer. But this is not right. Those who pray are more attentive with the things of the monastery? If we work in an orderly and conscientious way, it will be reflected in the whole body of the community; and this has great significance.
In monasteries it is inevitable that some will work more and others less. But what is most important is that we have peace and stability, avoiding disorder and agitation. If we become troubled, we will begin to bite one another until we finally consume one another, as the Apostle Paul warns, We must remember this and carry out our obediences in nonso an that as con attend the services and have the privilege of standing before God without a single earthly care, without a single distracting thought.
Archimandrite Zacharias Zacharou
“Wavering in Quest of the Kingdom Which Cannot be Moved”