Bossiness or officiousness - ultimate pride

[Maria]

In today's world, with the advent of radio, TV, and now computers and Twitter, it seems like officiousness is increasing.

Yet, officiousness is very dangerous and can destroy not only our own spiritual lives, but also the lives of those around us.

We might laugh when we see pictures of yiayia in church going around and deliberately sticking out her cane so that those who are doing wrong will trip, but is this right? No, in addition to causing bodily harm, such busybodies can drive people out of the church. This yiayia is serving as judge, jury, and executioner. And that is not a laughing matter.

Similarly, there are people who preach against the wearing of headcoverings, calling it prideful. That is a very subtle form of bossiness.

And then there are those members of the laity who take it upon themselves to see who is in the communion line, pull out those who might be dressed like homosexuals or who are not modestly dressed, and then tell them that they are not worthy to receive Christ.

Some of these bossy individuals who are serving as judge, jury, and executioner are suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder, and they need our prayers.

As we approach Great Lent, let us be aware of our actions, so that through our love, fervent prayers, good example, and humility, we may overcome officiousness.

[Matthew]

A friend of mine, whose wife converted to Orthodoxy for him to marry her, but was raised in an atheistic home, was awaking to Faith in God but was a fragile person, had ventured to take his wife to a local Orthodox Church near their home, as the parish where they married (which was a very warm and loving community but was a very long drive away). While they were there at this ROCOR parish years ago, his wife grew tired (there were no pews only a few chairs here and there on the perimeter of the church along the wall. She was not used to Churches where standing was an 2 to 3 hour affair. And her job is a desk job so in general she was not used to standing for extended periods, and may even have been feeling a little under the weather. Well, in any case, this was their first visit to this Russian parish, and when she sat down one of the men at the Cliros looked over at her and with great anger on his face (an expressing that was "yelling" if you understand) waved his hand upwards violently indicating that she had better stand up or else! Well, that was so hurtful to her that she left and has never darkened the door of another church since, some 10 years ago now.

[Barbara]

Too bad !

We all know what kind of thing you both mean. Have seen it too much.

What can we do about it ?

Though by the way, if i were there, I would probably try to deter a homosexual from receiving the Holy Mysteries.
Gross !

[Matthew]

Though by the way, if i were there, I would probably try to deter a homosexual from receiving the Holy Mysteries.
Gross !

I wouldn't do that. I would assume that the Priest has the first duty to decide that since he is holding the spoon, not me. And if the Priest lets him commune it is probably because the brother or sister homosexual is making a good struggle and needs the medicine of immortality to continue on their good course of repentance--just like all of us sinners who seek salvation. God wants us all to come to Him and to commune of His Body and Blood so that we might be saved.