The Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church made his criticisms in a several-hour address on basic ecclesiastical issues at today's Moscow diocesan conference, reports the conference press service.
"It is fearsome when a priest gives up Christ to put his own self into the foreground as he establishes a sect within the Church. Spiritual guidance is not to degrade into manipulating the public mind-it is the power of love not spiritual coercion," the Patriarch said with emphasis.
He highlighted problems that arise in priests' contacts with their flock through the fault of overly zealous Church reformers, just as neo-conservative fanatics who cling to the outdated in panicky fear of everything that is new.
"When we come to the perception of established liturgical and pastoral practice, we are not to forget that loyalty to the Church Tradition does not imply the outer form automatically repeated. On the contrary, this loyalty demands creative comprehension and implementation of the experience we draw from the Tradition.
"As I see it, the Diocesan Council ought to pay more attention than it is now doing to examinations of applicants to be ordained. When we decide to ordain a candidate, we are to pay the utmost attention to whether he can meet the demands of the time we live in."
The Patriarch paid major attention to Church charities. He thinks it will be worthwhile to establish Christian patronage services at parishes and territorial deaneries for help to those in need.
"The state has no such services, and many helpless invalids have no one to look after them. The Church can cure the matter." Moscow can eventually establish a citywide network to receive and meet applications for attendance to the sick.
The Primate called his Church to draft contracts, within the next twelve months, which would envisage diocesan partnership with the municipal health and welfare boards. With no legal basis, the work of Sisters of Mercy in government-run institutions entirely depends on managers' disposition toward the Church, he pointed out.
"If teamwork gets on an official municipal footing, the situation of charitable workers will much improve," said His Beatitude.
Every hospital must be entitled to several chaplains, and a Sister of Mercy responsible for each particular hospital must be able to get them on the phone any time of day and night.
"Humans are apt to believe the deed more than the word. Helpless old men and women, invalids and disabled people are living side by side with us. Their near and dear wear themselves out looking after them. They often seek help from the Church in their plight. They need not only our prayers but help in everyday chores. Can we stand aloof to those entreaties?" exclaimed the Patriarch.
