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Celibacy/Single Life

Faith Q&A › Metropolitan Youssef › Marriage and Family › Celibacy/Single Life

The question

I have been considering a life of celibacy for about 4 or 5 years. I need specific signs indicating that this is the right direction.

The answer

There are many men and women that are inspiring examples of celibacy and marriage. A life of celibacy is not a refuge from responsibility but a detachment from materialism. The celibate is mentally, emotionally, and spiritually energized with a simplified material life and intensified solitary worship where Christ alone is the only goal. The account of the "Rich Young Ruler" (Matthew 19:16-22; Mark 10:17-22; 10:17-22) identifies three key criteria and not signs.
  1. "If you want to enter into life, keep the commandments." (Matthew 19:16-22;)

  2. "If you want to be perfect, go sell what you have and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven."(Mark 10:17-22)

  3. "Come follow Me." (Mark 10:17-22)
So with the direction of your spiritual father, you need to examine your calling and start, with his direction, to practice some spiritual exercises pertaining to the three vows of monasticism (celibacy, poverty, and obedience).

Answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab)

Related questions

Questions answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab) of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. Question 1354 on the Diocese’s Q&A site. Questions and answers © Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. All rights reserved.