"We should never attack a Bishop with our mouth. He has the episcopacy upon him. Regardless of the mistakes he has done, we must cover him with our prayers. Thus is created around the Bishop a spiritual defense, a spiritual surrounding wall, without him knowing it, which encircles him, and eventually will allow him, as a rule, for God to revive him."***
-St. Porphyrios of Kavsokalyvia
(source)
***Note: St. Porphyrios is not referring to reaching out, in the proper manner and the proper channels, to discuss moral or canonical transgressions by bishops through a Synod or Archbishops above him. He is also not referring to hierarchs canonically deposed by a Synod or church council. He is properly trying to limit the endless gossip, slander, condemnation and judging that gets hurled against hierarchs throughout the world, but even worse now in the age of the internet. May we humbly pray for our bishops before rushing to condemn them, and thus help both of their and our repentance and our souls.
Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!
No comments:
Post a Comment