An Orthodox cleric from abroad [not in Greece] placed a difficult situation in front of the Elder. His Bishop had constructed underneath the temple, halls for dancing and other non-traditional events. The Orthodox Christians were not happy with the situation and would go to a schismatic Church instead. The Elder's reply was:
"If you want to help the people you must not relax in your Bishop's actions. If you do that, then you succeed in people leaving from the Church. Do not stop being in communion with him and thus form a schism nor speak in public against him; but nor must you praise him."
With his love, prayer and discernment, the Elder knew when to speak, how to act, and how to help Mother Church quietly, avoiding extremisms and healing the wounds that torment the body of the Church and scandalize some faithful. Above all, the Elder avoided any severing from Body of Christ, the Church.
