The few male monastics you find trolling around in Orthodox cyber space tend not to be too monastic.
Well this seems rather a harsh statement wouldn't you say?
I recall a very dear monastic, reposed now, who spent a great deal of time on another discussion board teaching, sharing, responding to those in need.
Also, my spiritual big brother is an Athonite monk, a spiritual child of one who may be canonized soon, and who, out of health concerns and medical necessity, is unable to live on Mt. Athos or any other monastery for a variety of reasons. Yet, he spends a great deal of time on the internet with his spiritual children who all live in Europe and that is the best way for him to connect with them. He also counsels many other faithful as their brother in Christ, directing them, encouraging them to speak with their respective spiritual fathers and mothers, praying with them, etc. Despite his not living on monastery grounds, he lives a monastic life.
This is not to say that we must not be vigilant, for we must not open our hearts to any faceless cyber person.
Lord have mercy.
