Skete
A "Skete" is a small monastic community in the Eastern Orthodox Church, typically consisting of a few monks living together in a shared space. These communities are often part of a larger monastery and focus on communal prayer, spiritual growth, and ascetic practices. Sketes provide a more secluded environment for monks who seek a simpler, more focused life dedicated to God.
Sketes are often located in remote areas, allowing monks to engage in solitude and contemplation. They may have a common chapel and shared living quarters, but each monk usually has his own cell for personal prayer and study. The lifestyle in a skete emphasizes both community and individual spiritual development, reflecting the balance between communal and solitary life in monasticism.