by Thomas G. Bandy Thinking about ordained ministry? Think twice, act once. As I coach pastors, one of the most pervasive issues is clergy anger. Anger, of course, is just one half of the vicious cycle of anger-depression. Clergy are more likely to admit to depression, because admitting anger … [Read more...]
How Many Hours Must a Pastor Work to Satisfy the Congregation?
by Thom Rainer This excellent article reminds us of the unreasonable expectations most people have of their clergy. Yes, it is universal, so don't be put off by the protestant setting. If you pursue the priesthood, you'll be in a parish most likely, and you will be dealing with these kind of … [Read more...]
Jesus, Jail and Jury Duty
by Fr. Patrick Henry Reardon I have never served on a jury. Nor, if I trust memory, have I ever published very widely the reasons for this. The immediate reason is that I have invariably found some way to be excused from that duty without making a big deal of it. When, for instance, I … [Read more...]
On The Sacred Priesthood
by St. Symeon the New Theologian The Priesthood is a dignity formidable even to angels, since one must touch the inaccessible God: “There, indeed, where the bread is placed and wine is poured in the name of Thy Body and of Thy Blood, O Word, Thou art there Thyself, O Word, my God, and they truly … [Read more...]
Seven Things Pastors Would Like Church Members to Know about Their Children
I love my sons who are now all adults, and in at least one parish I paid a price for putting them first. That being said, I never missed a single meeting for Church business. Remember, sometimes everything isn't enough for some people. As an Orthodox priest, you will have to be there for your own … [Read more...]
The Priest Who Did Not Want To Serve The Divine Liturgy
There was once a priest who did not want to serve the liturgy because it was a cold winter day. The temperature was 10 degrees below zero and the priest knew that the only person who was likely to come to the service was the chanter. The priest had no idea about the Church's teaching on the … [Read more...]
On The Duties Of Clergy: No Idle Words
by St. Ambrose of Milan Silence should not remain unbroken, nor should it arise from idleness. How heart and mouth must be guarded against inordinate affections. 9. What then? Ought we to be dumb? Certainly not. For: "there is a time to keep silence and a time to speak." [Eccles. 3:7] If, … [Read more...]
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