Metropolitan Anthony (Pakanich) on the new quarantine and humanity.

The quarantine trials that we already experienced in the spring and early summer of this year are returning, as predicted. Many of us are now in fear, confusion, fear for the future. Someone is afraid of a deadly virus, someone is afraid of being left without work as a result of the quarantine measures it causes. We have already gone through all this, and now I would like to talk a little about something else. About how important it is to preserve humanity in the days of trials.

Social media discussions as well as crime news bulletins show that people are not just scared. People have become aggressive and intolerant. We have already said how destructive fear is. But now it is important to realize what we can do despite this fear. Just such people who tend to show excessive emotions. The reaction to such emotions will be even sharper emotional outbursts of others. And so on increasing. Unfortunately, the press only heats up the cauldron of universal fears, resentments and discontent.

The task of Christians is not to participate in this whipping up. Peacekeeping is one of our vocations. This means that it is on us, Christians, this burden lies, this very often thankless labor – to calm, comfort, help.

We have the main and strongest weapon – trust in God. But not everyone has such a tool, which means we should share it with the weaker ones.

At first glance, the task seems overwhelming. But in fact, if we at least once get away from the argument, calm down the frightened one, comfort the doubter, help the suffering person (in word or deed), this will be one of the building blocks of a very important building. Peacekeeping buildings.

Trials similar to the present ones are an exam for our true faith, for our Christian vocation. Let’s try to be worthy of this calling – and the Lord will not leave us with His mercies.

Recorded by Natalia Goroshkova