"Third, there are the sarabaites, the most detestable kind of monks, who with no experience to guide them, no rule to try them as “gold is tried in a furnace” (Prov. 27:21), have a character as soft as lead. Still loyal to the world by their actions, they clearly lie to God by their tonsure. Two or three together, or even alone, without a shepherd, they pen themselves up in their own sheepfolds, not the Lord’s. Their law is what they like to do, whatever strikes their fancy. Anything they believe in and choose, they call holy; anything they dislike, they consider forbidden."~Rule of Saint Benedict
Reading Saint Benedict's description of a Sarabaite, you will wonder why anyone would want to pick up the Cross for them...But consider this; not everyone can be the first (Cenobite) or second type of monk (Anchorite). Monasteries are very selective in who they take. Often a Bachelor's degree is required and an applicant, more often than not, can't have a mental illness or physical disability. Most monasteries also are selective based on a person's finances, not wanting impoverised people to use them as an almshouse. We also have to consider the intent behind the insult; with the complaint being that monks are operating outside the confines of an organization.
We believe that everyone can and should be a monk and it is wrong to lock monasticism from faithful believers, no matter their health, history, or finances. Therefore, we are reviving the Sarabaite tradition (which is ancient and how many early Christians practiced asceticism). We aim to prove Saint Benedict wrong..."Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake." ~Matthew 5:11