d. The re-evaluation of the spiritual mission of the clergy and the requirement to abstain from involvement in secular business.
Unfortunately some do enter the priesthood because they do not have the courage to work and earn a daily living, while others do so in order to nurture their ambitious, greedy, glorified feelings. Our theory is solidly based on the popular proverb, “Could not succeed in business, therefore became a priest.”
As we know, the ranks of priesthood (exceptions are always honorable) are replete with individuals who used to be mediocre teachers, sextons (‘jamgotch’), people with singing ability, and those with connections to different organizations. These are the people who consider priesthood as the best way to earn a living and lead a comfortable life.
Also, there are others who, as some would say, have “street smarts,” and who have entered the priesthood with the anticipation of becoming a prelate of a rich diocese, or becoming a Patriarch or Catholicos, in order to abuse the genteel, spiritual feelings of the faithful for their own personal gain. Unfortunately, the erstwhile truly devoted servants of the faith and Church are very few and pretty much lost among today’s profligate, libertine, and self-serving members of the clergy that fill the ranks of the Church today.
Keeping in mind that our interest is the re-evaluation of the spiritual mission of the clergy and renewal of their vows, it is imperative that the Church revive itself and inspire people of good morals to enter the priesthood and preach the Gospel following the example of our Lord.
To enable the success of the spiritual mission of the clergy, the Church has to revive itself and accept into priesthood only those who are well educated, in good moral standing, ready to teach the Gospel and lead the faithful down the righteous path, thereby shutting the doors to those candidates for clergy who are business- and profit-minded.
The world is changing while the power of the Church has waned, and few are attracted to enter the priesthood. There is much turbulence in the Christian faith today. The reasons for this are also evident in the Armenian Apostolic Church. And, clearly, it is not for the want of pursuing spiritual fulfillment –for we see people all around the world who are committed to welcoming faith into their lives– but rather it is due to this incessant hunger for accumulating material wealth which has gripped the imagination and lives of most everyone on this planet.
It is obvious that some clergy are misguided in their understanding of their profession and devotion to their work. Those who entered the priesthood with a clear understanding of their calling will no doubt be successful in their mission, and the glory of their work will follow…
Those, on the other hand, who see the priesthood as a business from which to profit with material wealth, cannot understand the meaning of vow and devotion because their minds are focused on money and temporal glory. The lives of such clergymen are full of temptations and scandals.
Where are the devoted Princes of the Armenian Apostolic Church…those who shined throughout the ages in our monasteries, dioceses and catholicosates…those who devoted their lives to enrich ours with high morals and values?
For millennia, our monasteries would take pride in being the spiritual and intellectual centers of our people. Unfortunately, today they have degenerated into becoming centers of corruption and the hub of scandals.
If the Armenian clergy is criticized today, it is because prospective priests have no calling, which is nothing other than the harmonious congregation of many abilities to lead the faithful to the glory of God.
It has been historically evident that a priest who has a wavering character poses a danger to the Church and causes moral scandals among the faithful.
A priest can earn respect and inspire trust among his faithful only by virtue of his good conduct and character. Unfortunately, the public is not inspired by the clergy today, because the priests have become robotic performers of church services with an eye for self-aggrandizement and enrichment.
Being aware of the spiritual, psychological and social needs of our public, we ought to scrutinize candidates for the work of the Church very carefully in order to ensure that they have the required moral character and commitment to uphold their vows and remain true to their calling. Also, we must remain vigilant to keep away from those who come to serve with secret agendas and ill intentions.
The Armenian Church today is at a very serious and critical juncture. The standards for religious teachings are loosened and our youth are increasingly distancing themselves from the Church. It is imperative that we start a new movement to awaken the public from its spiritual hibernation.
Who will lead this movement today? I believe it is only the clergy–in its historical construct with selfless tenets of service to its flock–that can have the moral authority and legitimacy to reform the current state of corruption and degeneracy that has engulfed and permeated the entire hierarchy of the Church. It is only those who have the “true calling” and understand fully the implications of devotion to the faith and are rightfully ordained who can affect a meaningful reformation of the Armenian Apostolic Church. All others are mere sycophants and need not apply.
VOSGAN MEKHITARIAN to be continued
December 3, 2013
