688. Не унывайте, а на Господа Бога уповайте. Если нет возможности покрыть чьи-либо недостатки, то лучше держаться правды

Your Reverence, most honorable in the Lord Mother Abbess Leonida! I received your last letter dated January 31st, and due to lack of time, I will answer you briefly. - Do not be discouraged, but trust in the Lord God. The Lord is strong to bring your monastic affairs to proper order. Good people advise you to wait to write a memorandum about the new priest. But, it seems, I wrote the same thing to you. I also wrote to you that if there is no opportunity to cover up the shortcomings of famous people, then it is best to stick to the truth. And when the Bishop demands an explanation from you regarding the new priest, then, through fervent prayer, go to him and personally tell him everything as it is. If he starts asking questions about Fr. Sergius, then tell the truth about him more carefully. What to do? Apparently, as the proverb goes, you can’t hide an sew in a bag. If Vladyka asks why they haven’t reported it for a long time, say: “Forgive me, Holy Vladyka, I was afraid of judicial investigations.” Wait a minute about the troublesome sisters - not everything is sudden. And pray for them with zeal like this: “Save, Lord, and have mercy on the sisters (names), and for the sake of their holy prayers, have mercy on me, a sinner.” Make three bows with this prayer in the morning and evening. If, however, rumors about these sisters somehow reach the Vladyka besides you, and the Vladyka inquires about them, then tell the truth about them too. Asking for you and your monastery the peace and blessing of God, I remain with sincere goodwill. P.S. Your letter dated February 26 has also been received. The dean turned out to be a good person, and you answered him well. You might be interested in: