Once I thought how difficult it is to be a priest.

Once I thought how difficult it is to be a priest.

If his cassock is covered in patches, they say how sloppy he is. If new and beautiful, they think - why did he buy it? If the priest is handsome, they say a guy disappears. If ugly - what, already such "crocodiles" are ordained as priests? If he says long sermons, they say he tortured us. If short - not prepared. If young, they say - too young, no experience, sin will “wag its tail” and tip over. If old - then, of course, he is holy, for old. Sins escaped from him themselves.

It is difficult to be a priest, and therefore the priest sometimes turns his back on people so that they do not see how he cries when he lifts the hidden Christ in his hands.

Elder Mikhail Valaamsky (Pitkevich)