Metropolitan Anthony urged caution in criticizing the priesthood and clergy

The hierarch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Anthony (Pakanich), has called for minimizing criticism of the UOC clergy and clergy in the context of persecution of the Church. The hierarch argues that even if criticism of the clergy is justified, it does not give the right to judge them, because no one fully knows what these people are guided by and how they will act in the future. The bishop’s commentary was published on the Orthodox Life website.

«Recently one can often hear reproaches to the clergy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, regarding this or that person who has an ecclesiastical position, who has either gone into schism or is preaching the way to it. These reproaches are, no doubt, in many respects just. However, not all men, even saints, are given to read human hearts. Likewise, it is impossible to accurately predict how someone will behave in trials. […] It must also be taken into account that all people in earthly life have faults. Although the requirements for candidates for ordination, church administration, or spiritual education are higher than for ordinary believers, they also have their weaknesses. When someone is appointed to a position, it is often done with the expectation that in time the person will smooth out his or her shortcomings, grow spiritually, and compensate for his or her weaknesses. But, alas, it is not always possible to understand the sincerity of a person in the fight against his shortcomings. Sometimes he does not even know how he will behave in different life situations. All this manifests itself only in times of severe trials and temptations», — said the Metropolitan.

The hierarch added that under the pressure of circumstances, people tend to show themselves from sides that were previously invisible in their behavior. He believes that in this regard, no one can be sure how he will react to the trials, so each of us should refrain as much as possible from criticizing those who have a special responsibility for the preservation of the Church.

«Now we live precisely in such a time when, under the pressure of circumstances, a person can fully show all his sides: both the best and, alas, the worst. And most importantly: it would be presumptuous to think that it is we who will stand up to the circumstances in which we may find ourselves. And perhaps the more confident we are in our abilities, the more likely we are to fall, for self-confidence is not the best counselor. Moreover, we should not condemn those in whose place we are not: no one knows what different people experience in difficult circumstances, and whether we ourselves would have the wisdom and strength to endure. Now all believers should not condemn each other, but pray for the granting of strength, not only to those who are experiencing the most severe pressure, but also to ourselves, so that we can withstand», — concluded the bishop.

Recall, earlier we reported that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church maintains a significant presence in the Zaporizhzhya region. Despite state pressure, none of its congregations in the region has filed documents to transfer to another church jurisdiction.