Given the large chronological framework and volume of the material studied, the authors of the monograph chose the key stages of history: genesis and the first centuries of Russian monasticism, the communal reform of St. Sergius of Radonezh and Metropolitan Alexei, the spread of desert-building and the growth of the number of monasteries in the XV-XVI centuries, controversy over the types of monastic structure and tasks of monastic ministry, monasteries of the XVII century., the importance of secularization of the XVIII century. for monasticism and monasteries, Russian old age, the legal status of monasteries in the XIX century., the revival of the institution of monasticism in our days.