Photo: ruvera.ru
If he’s frugal with words—he’s intellectually challenged; if talkative–he’s prideful.
If he carries on conversations with the wealthy–he’s a capitalist; but if he speaks to the poor—a socialist.
If he smiles—he isn’t serious; if serious—he’s cold-hearted.
If he drinks—he’s a drunkard; if he doesn’t drink at all—he’s unsociable.
If he dresses smartly—he’s a worldly man; if he wears a riassa—a retrograde.
If he speaks to women, he’s the source of problems; if he’s tight-lipped around women—he’s a mysogynist and lone wolf.
If he pats children on their head—he’s a pedophile; if he doesn’t, he’s soulless.
If he’s fat—he’s a glutton; if he’s thin—a penny pincher.
If he preaches longer than for ten minutes, he’s ridiculous; if he preaches concisely—he doesn’t know what to say.
Hieromonk Chrisostomus (Filipescu)
If he grows his hair long—he’s prudish; is he cuts his hair—he’s secular.
If he’s got a beard, he’s untidy; if he shaves—he’s a papist.
If he gives absolution to everyone, he’s ignorant of the sacred; if he’s exacting–he pushes everyone away.
If he gets frustrated, he’s got no love; if he doesn’t, he is ice-cold
If he gets frustrated, he’s got no love; if he doesn’t, he is ice-cold.
If he visits the faithful, you can never find him; if he doesn’t—he’s uncaring.
If he hosts events in the parish—he’s flush with money; if he holds none—he steals money.
If he talks about God and prayer, he’s pretentious; if he dwells upon social problems—he’s politically preoccupied.
If he reads papers—he’s overly concerned with politics; if he doesn’t—he doesn’t keep up with the times.
If he’s active in social media, he’s way too modern; if has no online presence—he’s behind the times.
If he writes for newspapers and magazines, he’s haughty; if he doesn’t—he’s poorly educated.
If he goes on vacations, he’s a spender; if he never takes one—he’s a penny pincher.
If he drives an old car, he’s a cheapskate; if he has a new one—he lacks sympathy for the poor.
If he’s young, he’s inexperienced; if he’s old—he doesn’t make room for the young ones.
If he gives alms, he expects something in return; if he doesn’t—he’s self-indulgent.
If…
Now, what should he really be like?
