Moscow, December 23, 2024
Photo: patriarchia.ru
A priest must be an example for the people in every single aspect of his life, whether inside or outside of church, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia emphasized in his report to the Moscow Clergy Meeting on December 20.
Referring to the Holy Apostle Paul’s words in 1 Tim. 4:12: Be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity, the Russian primate offered pastoral counsel from a number of angles.
“By placing these words of the Apostle on the reverse side of the priestly pectoral cross, our predecessors meant that the Apostolic instruction should not be perceived as an unattainable ideal or just general words about good things. The priest is truly called to be an example for his flock,” the Patriarch said, introducing the topic.
Be an example in word
Pat. Kirill discusses the importance of measured and responsible speech among Orthodox priests, emphasizing that a priest’s word is central to his ministry both from the pulpit and in everyday life. He stresses that priests must maintain dignity in their speech, warning that “you mustn’t shock people with your words” and that using trendy language or jargon doesn’t make priests more relatable to their flock. Instead, their words “should be worthy of respect and a willingness to be heard.”
His Holiness particularly addresses the challenges of the social media age, where quick responses and the desire for approval can compromise pastoral responsibility. He specifically warns against priests becoming “literally dependent on the approval of their audience,” and urges clergy who appear in media to exercise restraint. He concludes by calling for “less self-promotion, less desire to impress, and more pastoral responsibility and missionary persistence,” emphasizing that a priest’s speech should always be grounded in Scripture and patristic wisdom, with careful consideration of when to speak and when to maintain “delicate silence.”
Be an example in life
The Patriarch emphasizes the critical importance of a priest’s behavior and demeanor, particularly within sacred spaces. He emphasizes reverent conduct in the church, especially in the altar, drawing on historical examples from post-war Leningrad where “people came to church with such reverence and the priesthood conducted themselves with such reverence in the church.” Pat. Kirill warns against casualness in sacred spaces, noting that “habituation to the sacred always borders on indifference, and in some extreme cases leads to sacrilege.”
The Russian primate extends his discussion to modern challenges, particularly addressing inappropriate behaviors in the altar such as casual conversations and mobile phone use. he stresses that clergy must maintain appropriate conduct both inside and outside the church, avoiding both “negligence and luxury that demonstratively contrasts with the standard of living of the flock.” The Patriarch concludes that “everything must have a measure, determined by tactfulness, which should be constantly developed and maintained within oneself.” He emphasizes that these guidelines aren’t meant for external control but for self-regulation by clergy members.
Be an example in love
Pat. Kirill emphasizes that a priest is undoubtedly called to be a model for the faithful in their relationships with others, avoiding both sycophancy and familiarity, and especially arrogance in communications with parishioners, church workers, and other clergy. He particularly emphasizes that rectors must create an atmosphere of mutual understanding, support, and respect in parishes—primarily through their own example. Speaking of love, he notes that “true love cannot be reduced to feeling or emotional experience. Love is a life practice, a general structure of daily actions of a person striving to follow God’s commandments and evangelical truth.”
The Russian primate warns against elevating family members through special parish positions, stating that relatives “should stand among the people and be together with everyone.” While acknowledging that priests’ family members can beneficially participate in church life, he cautions that their involvement in financial matters or parish management can lead to misunderstandings. He addresses the destructive nature of conflicts between clergy, particularly those serving at the same altar, noting that such conflicts can drive people away from church life. Following the Lord’s command “Have peace among yourselves,” he concludes, largely defines a priest’s image as a loving shepherd among his flock.
Be an example in the spiritual life
Pat. Kirill acknowledges the Church’s important social role and expresses gratitude for clergy and laity’s efforts in helping war victims, soldiers, families, and the sick. However, he emphasizes that “the Church is not just an institution for implementing various social functions, however important they may be. It is primarily a ship of salvation, the beginning of the Kingdom of Heaven.” He stresses that no public or administrative activities should take precedence over conducting services, preaching God’s Word, and prayer.
The Russian primate particularly emphasizes the need for clergy to maintain inner spiritual discipline despite their busy lives. He insists that priests must find “a space of inner silence and freedom, a reasonable detachment from vain affairs,” including time for prayer, thoughtful reading, and reflection. He warns that “it’s impossible to pray and think concentratedly if consciousness is flickering with an endless series of news and images of this rapidly passing world with its anxiety and vanity.” This spiritual focus, he concludes, enables priests to inspire their parishioners toward a richer spiritual life in Christ and conscious participation in Church Sacraments.
Be an example in faith
His Holiness emphasizes that teaching the faith is a direct duty of clergy as successors to the Apostles, but it goes far beyond mere pedagogy. “Heart believes unto righteousness, and mouth confesses unto salvation,” he quotes from the Apostle Paul, stressing that true faith is incompatible with indifference and compromise in worldview and moral issues. The Russian primate insists that clergy should not be embarrassed by the uncompromising nature of the Gospel message, urging them to convey God’s commandments accurately and convincingly regardless of their audience’s status.
He then addresses specific pastoral concerns, particularly regarding marriage and monastic guidance. While warning against both excessive strictness and leniency, he emphasizes that “any advice from a spiritual father should be circumspect. And there should never be categorical advice—’only this way and no other.’“ The Patriarch expresses particular concern about clergy who might compromise Church teaching by encouraging couples to live together before marriage or delay Church weddings after civil registration. He concludes by addressing the need for pre-marriage catechesis, though suggesting that such preparation need not follow an absolutely uniform pattern.
Be an example in purity
The Patriarch teaches that the Apostolic instruction to be an example in purity encompasses all other aspects—being an example in word, life, spirit, and faith—since purity implies an absence of any ambiguity or hidden impure motivations in a pastor’s words, ministry, and way of life. He emphasizes that priests must first apply the high moral truths they preach to themselves, warning against the danger of imposing “burdens too heavy to bear” on others while avoiding them personally.
The Russian primate acknowledges that while blatant financial misconduct has become rare, impurity can take subtler forms, such as seeking honors or cultivating unhealthy personal attachments from parishioners. “A pastor must lead his flock to communion with the Lord Jesus Christ, not with himself,” he stresses, warning against creating a personal following whether in real life or online. He particularly addresses the challenge of maintaining appropriate boundaries with parishioners who may seek emotional compensation for their personal difficulties through excessive attachment to their priest, emphasizing the importance of “reasonable, chaste detachment” in pastoral care.
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The Patriarch concludes:
Dear bishops, fathers and brothers! I thank all of you who labor diligently in Christ’s vineyard. It brings me joy to know that you, having chosen the path of service at God’s altar, strive with diligence, attention and zeal, in the words of one of the prayers over those being ordained to the priesthood, to please the Lord in all things and to live worthy of the honor granted to you by the power of God’s election. Therefore, I urge you to receive my words today not to shame you (cf. 1 Cor. 4:14), but as a call, according to the Apostle Paul’s words to Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee (1 Tim. 4:16).
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