The corrupting influence of clericalism
Orthodoxy has traditionally avoided clericalism, yet in more recent times corruption of priestly service has enter the doors of the Orthodox Church. It has led some clergy to be motivated by a desire for power and prestige, with their sight so clouded as to endanger not only their own souls, but the souls of the laity who are in need of humble, fatherly, pastoral care, and who will suffer under their "pastoral" guidance.
This quest for honor has led many clergy to participate in a culture of abuse, where they even turn on one another in their sad attempt at aligning themselves with "officialdom". The culture of abuse that is encouraged and fomented by those refusing to live in adherence with the simplicity and humility of Christ's example, is not much different than that of the grade school pecking order where the bully builds alliances based on fear.
It is the same culture that chooses to ignore destructive behavior which undermines the message of the Church, and displaces the ministry of healing, replacing it with a worldly culture not unlike that of the fiefdoms of medieval Europe. It is a culture that can only be destroyed by implementing reforms that restore the Church as the divine institution founded by the co-suffering saviour.
As the Church founded by Christ, we Orthodox need to return to the basics. Our bishops and priests need to put off all pretensions, and give themselves over to being loving fathers to their people. We clergy need to lead our parishes with biblical standards based on love of our people, and love of Christ, and not rule by fear and tyranny. Priests need to lead not as local governors appointed by Caesar, but simple servants.
We are living in dangerous times, and the people of God must be given the spiritual tools needed to thrive as society falters, and Christianity itself is under increased attack. The road ahead requires bishops and priests to be more than religious officials, they must be holy men who lead their people as loving, caring, and merciful pastors.
Love in Christ,
Abbot Tryphon
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