537. Монахам не следует бунтовать на начальствующих

I received your letter and I pray for you, so that you do not add sins to sins. The sin of condemnation or any other sin against the authority established by God is a grave sin. St. Apostle Paul in his Epistle to Timothy, as the head and leader of many spiritual sheep and their shepherds, advises him not to accept accusations against priests, and therefore against elders in general, only in the presence of two or three witnesses. But you are not the boss and, therefore, you don’t even dare talk about the actions of your immediate superiors. The boss gives an answer for her sins and the sins of those under her control; but if these subordinates, instead of praying for their mother to God for sending her strength and reason to continue such difficult obedience, begin to resist her and condemn her, then the entire burden of sins will fall on them. Remember the execution of Korah and Dathan and their host, which is also mentioned in the psalms of St. Prophet David. And now it is no longer the opening of the earth and not the heavenly fire that awaits the opponents of power, but the abyss of hell and its eternal flame. It is not becoming for monks to rebel; their virtue and nobility consists of humility, silence, meekness, obedience and patience with all evils and troubles until the grave. For the sake of God, leave all those who rise up to power, even if you saw the boss sinning with your own eyes, do not judge, but cover with silence, and the Lord will cover the multitude of your sins. Peace be with you. Listen to my advice given to you by Bose. Invoking the peace and blessing of God, I remain with sincere goodwill. You might be interested in: