☦️🕯️THE CHARACTERISTICS THAT A PRIEST SHOULD HAVE IN THE EASTERN ORTHODOX CHURCH 🕯️☦️
In the Eastern Orthodox Church, the priest is seen as a servant of God and His people — a shepherd who leads the faithful by word, example, and holiness of life. The Church’s understanding of the priesthood is deeply spiritual and rooted in Scripture, the Holy Fathers, and the canons of the Church.
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Here are the main characteristics a priest should have, according to Orthodox teaching:
☦️ 1. Deep Faith and Personal Holiness
A priest must have a living and active faith, nourished by prayer, fasting, and participation in the Holy Mysteries (sacraments).
He must strive to live a life of purity and repentance, because he represents Christ to the people.
➡️ “Be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, inpurity.”
(1 Timothy 4:12)
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☦️ 2. Sound Doctrine and Knowledge of the Faith
A priest must know and uphold Orthodox doctrine faithfully — without adding, changing, or omitting anything.
He must study Scripture, the Holy Fathers, and Church canons to teach rightly and defend the faith.
➡️ “Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me.” ( 2 Timothy 1:13)
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☦️ 3. Humility and Obedience
Humility is considered the foundation of all virtues.
A priest should not seek honor or power but serve in humility, being obedient to his bishop and to the teachings of the Church.
➡️ “The greatest among you shall be your servant.” ( Matthew 23:11)
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☦️ 4. Compassion and Pastoral Love
The priest is a spiritual father — patient, merciful, and gentle.
He must listen to and care for his flock, guiding them toward repentance and salvation.
His love must mirror Christ’s love for His Church, even for those who sin or stray.
➡️ “The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” — John 10:11
☩ ☩ ☩
☦️ 5. Prayerful and Spiritually Disciplined
He must be a man of constant prayer — both for himself and for his people.
Daily prayer, the reading of Psalms, and participation in the Divine Liturgy are central to his life.
Without prayer, he cannot lead others into communion with God.
☩ ☩ ☩
☦️ 6. Moral Integrity and Example
A priest’s life should be an example of moral purity, self-control, and faithfulness (especially in marriage, if married).
The Apostle Paul listed qualifications in (1 Timothy 3:1–7) and (Titus 1:5–9) — for example:
“Blameless”
“The husband of one wife”
“Sober-minded”
“Hospitable”
“Able to teach”
“Not violent or greedy”
☩ ☩ ☩
☦️ 7. Zeal for the Salvation of Souls
The priest’s main mission is to bring people closer to Christ.
He should have a burning desire to see souls saved, not out of pride but out of love.
Saint John Chrysostom said:
“The priest’s work is carried out on earth, but it ranks among heavenly ordinances.”
☩ ☩ ☩
☦️ 8. Stability and Perseverance in Suffering
A priest must endure trials, misunderstandings, and even persecution with patience.
He is called to bear his cross as Christ did — without bitterness or despair.
☩ ☩ ☩ ☩ ☩ ☩ ☩ ☩ ☩ ☩ ☩ ☩ ☩
In the Eastern Orthodox Church, the priest is seen as a servant of God and His people — a shepherd who leads the faithful by word, example, and holiness of life. The Church’s understanding of the priesthood is deeply spiritual and rooted in Scripture, the Holy Fathers, and the canons of the Church.
☩ ☩ ☩
Here are the main characteristics a priest should have, according to Orthodox teaching:
☦️ 1. Deep Faith and Personal Holiness
A priest must have a living and active faith, nourished by prayer, fasting, and participation in the Holy Mysteries (sacraments).
He must strive to live a life of purity and repentance, because he represents Christ to the people.
➡️ “Be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, inpurity.”
(1 Timothy 4:12)
☩ ☩ ☩
☦️ 2. Sound Doctrine and Knowledge of the Faith
A priest must know and uphold Orthodox doctrine faithfully — without adding, changing, or omitting anything.
He must study Scripture, the Holy Fathers, and Church canons to teach rightly and defend the faith.
➡️ “Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me.” ( 2 Timothy 1:13)
☩ ☩ ☩
☦️ 3. Humility and Obedience
Humility is considered the foundation of all virtues.
A priest should not seek honor or power but serve in humility, being obedient to his bishop and to the teachings of the Church.
➡️ “The greatest among you shall be your servant.” ( Matthew 23:11)
☩ ☩ ☩
☦️ 4. Compassion and Pastoral Love
The priest is a spiritual father — patient, merciful, and gentle.
He must listen to and care for his flock, guiding them toward repentance and salvation.
His love must mirror Christ’s love for His Church, even for those who sin or stray.
➡️ “The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” — John 10:11
☩ ☩ ☩
☦️ 5. Prayerful and Spiritually Disciplined
He must be a man of constant prayer — both for himself and for his people.
Daily prayer, the reading of Psalms, and participation in the Divine Liturgy are central to his life.
Without prayer, he cannot lead others into communion with God.
☩ ☩ ☩
☦️ 6. Moral Integrity and Example
A priest’s life should be an example of moral purity, self-control, and faithfulness (especially in marriage, if married).
The Apostle Paul listed qualifications in (1 Timothy 3:1–7) and (Titus 1:5–9) — for example:
“Blameless”
“The husband of one wife”
“Sober-minded”
“Hospitable”
“Able to teach”
“Not violent or greedy”
☩ ☩ ☩
☦️ 7. Zeal for the Salvation of Souls
The priest’s main mission is to bring people closer to Christ.
He should have a burning desire to see souls saved, not out of pride but out of love.
Saint John Chrysostom said:
“The priest’s work is carried out on earth, but it ranks among heavenly ordinances.”
☩ ☩ ☩
☦️ 8. Stability and Perseverance in Suffering
A priest must endure trials, misunderstandings, and even persecution with patience.
He is called to bear his cross as Christ did — without bitterness or despair.
☩ ☩ ☩ ☩ ☩ ☩ ☩ ☩ ☩ ☩ ☩ ☩ ☩
The recent leaks, published by the Ukrainian UOJ (keep in mind that group is actually anti-Russian) show that the Constantinople's "Ukrainian Orthodox" schismatic denomination is so much fake, that they (with their absolutely russophobic "anti-Moscow" rhetoric) still actually study using ROC (MP) textbooks, and some serve on anteminses signed by Patriarch Kirill.
🌹☦️Mother of God, quick helper, cover us with your holy omophorion!
O, Most Holy Theotokos, Mother of Light and Source of Mercy, look upon us, who often wander in the darkness of our thoughts, and illuminate our hearts with the gentle rays of your love! You, who carried the Savior of the world in your arms, be today the support of the powerless, the consolation of the sorrowful, and the hope of those without hope.
Do not leave us, Most Pure One, in the waves of this turbulent life, but stretch out your protective hand over us and our home. Sweeten the tears of those who weep, raise up the fallen, strengthen the weak, and kindle in our souls the pure love of God.
Under your protection we take shelter, Theotokos, and we pray: do not abandon us in the hour of trouble, but be always near, like a loving Mother, like a guiding Star on the path of salvation.☦️🌹
Amen.
O, Most Holy Theotokos, Mother of Light and Source of Mercy, look upon us, who often wander in the darkness of our thoughts, and illuminate our hearts with the gentle rays of your love! You, who carried the Savior of the world in your arms, be today the support of the powerless, the consolation of the sorrowful, and the hope of those without hope.
Do not leave us, Most Pure One, in the waves of this turbulent life, but stretch out your protective hand over us and our home. Sweeten the tears of those who weep, raise up the fallen, strengthen the weak, and kindle in our souls the pure love of God.
Under your protection we take shelter, Theotokos, and we pray: do not abandon us in the hour of trouble, but be always near, like a loving Mother, like a guiding Star on the path of salvation.☦️🌹
Amen.
“If but ten among us lead a Holy life, we shall kindle a fire which shall light up the entire city.” - Saint John Chrysostom
If we want good to shine, we better not complain but be the good. And it's really possible with Christ.
Once during one of the lessons we had an experiment. We gave everyone (about 30 people) a candle, turned off the light in the room, and only one person has candle with fire
He shared with his neighbours, and they shared it with their neighbours, and so on. And the whole room got lighted. This explains that 1) our faith should shine 2) we should share it.
If we want good to shine, we better not complain but be the good. And it's really possible with Christ.
Once during one of the lessons we had an experiment. We gave everyone (about 30 people) a candle, turned off the light in the room, and only one person has candle with fire
He shared with his neighbours, and they shared it with their neighbours, and so on. And the whole room got lighted. This explains that 1) our faith should shine 2) we should share it.
DISCOVER THE ANCIENT ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FAITH!
(an online course)
Every Saturday!
We invite you for a series of 8 online talks about the foundations of the Orthodox Christian faith.
Discover the ancient, apostolic faith preserved unchanged in the Holy Orthodox Church for 2000 years!
WE WILL DISCUSS:
· The core truths of authentic Christianity
· A true understanding of the Bible
· The practice of Christian life and prayer, guided by the wisdom of Orthodox saints
COURSE BEGINS:
October 11, 2025
On Saturdays at:
2:00 PM - Moscow time
4:30 PM - New Delhi time
6:00 PM - Bangkok time
8:00 PM - Seoul time
REGISTER HERE:
[email protected]
Or PM @FrStanR
DON'T MISS THIS UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLORE THE ANCIENT CHRISTIANITY!
(an online course)
Every Saturday!
We invite you for a series of 8 online talks about the foundations of the Orthodox Christian faith.
Discover the ancient, apostolic faith preserved unchanged in the Holy Orthodox Church for 2000 years!
WE WILL DISCUSS:
· The core truths of authentic Christianity
· A true understanding of the Bible
· The practice of Christian life and prayer, guided by the wisdom of Orthodox saints
COURSE BEGINS:
October 11, 2025
On Saturdays at:
2:00 PM - Moscow time
4:30 PM - New Delhi time
6:00 PM - Bangkok time
8:00 PM - Seoul time
REGISTER HERE:
[email protected]
Or PM @FrStanR
DON'T MISS THIS UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLORE THE ANCIENT CHRISTIANITY!
life, the saint appeared as a special earthly angel, through whom the reconciliation of Rus' occurred.
Once, princes, mostly Orthodox people, who were at odds with each other, could not find agreement. This happens in families: when agreement cannot be found, the family disintegrates. This happens in communities, this happens in states...
The saint reconciled princes, commoners, and soldiers, calling on them to strive above all for Christ through humility: Christ was obedient to God the Father even to the point of death on the cross. The human will was completely subordinated to the Divine will. The Holy Fathers say of him: "He alone can bear the name of man, for man is one who has fully fulfilled the Divine will."
We have all gathered in this church to glorify the great humility of the great saint of God, St. Sergius, in the hope that today he will explain and enlighten each of us where we lack this humility, so that after at least this day we may begin repentance, the beginning of reconciliation. And having received it, we may give praise to God, the Mother of God, and St. Sergius throughout all the days of our lives.
Metrpolitan Basil of Yekateriondar and Kuban
Once, princes, mostly Orthodox people, who were at odds with each other, could not find agreement. This happens in families: when agreement cannot be found, the family disintegrates. This happens in communities, this happens in states...
The saint reconciled princes, commoners, and soldiers, calling on them to strive above all for Christ through humility: Christ was obedient to God the Father even to the point of death on the cross. The human will was completely subordinated to the Divine will. The Holy Fathers say of him: "He alone can bear the name of man, for man is one who has fully fulfilled the Divine will."
We have all gathered in this church to glorify the great humility of the great saint of God, St. Sergius, in the hope that today he will explain and enlighten each of us where we lack this humility, so that after at least this day we may begin repentance, the beginning of reconciliation. And having received it, we may give praise to God, the Mother of God, and St. Sergius throughout all the days of our lives.
Metrpolitan Basil of Yekateriondar and Kuban
🌟☦️ Orthodox volunteers of Saint Petersburg have a plenty of work to do due to many holy places of the region, mass services are often organized. Also social work and more.