A starets (Romanian: stareț, ; fem. ) 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.