A 

starets (Romanian: stareț, Russian: стáрец, IPA: [ˈstarʲɪt͡s]; fem. ста́рица) is an elder of

an Eastern Orthodox monastery who functions as venerated adviser and
teacher. Elders or spiritual fathers are charismatic spiritual leaders whose wisdom stems from
God as obtained from ascetic experience. It is believed that through ascetic struggle, prayer
and hesychasm, the Holy Spirit bestows special gifts onto the elder including the ability
to heal, prophesy, and most importantly, give effective spiritual guidance and direction. Elders
are looked upon as being an inspiration to believers and an example of saintly virtue, steadfast
faith, and spiritual peace.