There are priests in the Church who drink alcohol, break the common sense rules and commit other wrongdoings, but society should not judge all the priests on such uncommon cases. The call was made by a number of priests who gave a news conference at IPN.
Vitalie Sancar, bishop of the Chisinau Church “Saint George”, said the priests do not tolerate the deviant behavior of some of their colleagues, but, according to the church cannons, not the priests, but the diocesan authorities decide the fate of those who break the rules. In such times that are already difficult, the priests who show impertinence bring a disadvantage to the orthodox religion. Such cases cause distrust among the faithful, but they should not be considered a common norm for all the Orthodox priests.
“We want the people to know that the priests are not idlers who live on the money of the faithful. We call on society not to judge us on uncommon cases of impudence shown by some of the priests,” said Vitalie Sancari.
Archpriest Victor Guleac, bishop of “Assumption of the Virgin” Church of Sturzovca, Glodeni, regretted the more frequent attacks on the Church that affect the image of the Church representatives and the importance of the clergy.
Roman Orasan, bishop of “Saint Apostle John the Theologian” Church of Glodeni, said that there are priests in Moldova who lead a difficult life, with shortages, but society does not want to speak about them. “We face the same problems as everyone or even more serious problems. The people should know that the Church includes good priests as well as priests that discredit it. We do not hide and do not tolerate the latter,” he stated.
Two days ago, the media broadcast a video showing a priest from Bulboaca village of Anenii Noi district whom the police caught driving under the influence. Besides being inebriated, the priest insulted the police officers and refused to get off the car.