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Who to avoid?translated

July 11, 2026 · 1 min read

The mental fatigue of today's man is so great that he often does not have the endurance to listen to problems, nor to meet people with problems who radiate misery. The designation "toxic" is given to those who cause others around them negative emotions, stress or discomfort and not simply to those who "have problems".

Father Andreas Agathokleous

The advice on how to deal with problematic or "toxic" fellow human beings is usually one thing: avoid them! It is the easy solution that requires no effort and effort, except to find the way to do it.

No one can force another to try for something they don't want. It is necessary, however, to talk about the "lost opportunity" given to us in the above cases, so that we can love and overcome our egocentrism, loving also those who are "not lovable".

Nevertheless, there are two cases of people from whom our distancing is necessary and salutary:

1. The hypocrites. Christ spoke strictly about the Pharisees of his time, who seem to have continued to exist even today and especially in the church space. They are the people with…

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Vasile Constantinescu

I carefully read what Father Andreas says about the hypocrites, especially as he mentions the Pharisees and says that they have not disappeared from the church either. I think these are the most tiring, because they smile beautifully on Sundays and then they stab you in the back. I for one try to stay away, but I still wonder if maybe we should be praying for them more instead of avoiding them completely.

Tamara Pavlović

In our parish, I have seen exactly what Father Andreas says - those who smile at the liturgy, and then whisper to you on the sidelines and sow doubt. It's hard, because one thinks it's better to hide, but then again, I wonder how many times I've been blind to other people's misery instead of at least listening. Thanks to my father for mentioning the other side.

Μιχάλης Κωνσταντίνου

I agree with Father Andreas about the hypocrites, those who smile in church and then whisper. In our parish we had one who did just that, until he was caught in the act. The difficult thing is not to become like them, thinking that we are "just protecting ourselves".

Юлія Шевчук

In our parish, there have also been those who smile at the liturgy, and then whisper in corners and sow suspicion, as Father Andreas writes about the Pharisees. I think it's easier to avoid them, but sometimes it's a pity - maybe behind that mask, a person is just tired and doesn't know how to do it differently. As for toxic ones, I try not to judge, because I myself am not in a good mood after a shift in the kitchen.

Νίκος Αναγνώστου

You are right Michael, these whisperers are doing a lot of damage to the parish. In my old truck job I used to see something similar: they would smile at the station and then say everything behind their backs. The point is not to fall into the same trap, as you say. How do you manage not to become like them?

Simona Ciobanu

Yes, Father Andreas is right about those hypocrites who smile at Mass and then whisper in the corners, just like Vasile and Mihalis say. In our parish, we saw one who did the same, until she left and left behind only a fight. I try to stay away, but I wonder if we should pray for them more instead of avoiding them altogether.

Anca Stan

Yes, Simona, that hypocrisy in the corners after Liturgy really spoils the peace, I have also seen similar cases here in Craiova. Prayer is good, but I think it's still wise to keep your distance so you don't get yourself into a fight, like that woman who left. How about you, did you try to talk to her directly before she left?