Metr. Saba Urges Seminarians Toward Compassionate Pastoral Care

Photo: antiochian.org

ENGLEWOOD, NJ — His Eminence Metr. Saba welcomed seminarians to the headquarters of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America on May 15 for their latest regular gathering before the beginning of summer assignments and internships.

During the meeting, Metr. Saba encouraged the seminarians to prepare themselves for lives of pastoral fatherhood as they begin clinical pastoral education programs and parish internships across the country. The seminarians, many from St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary, will spend the summer learning spiritual care in hospitals and parish ministry under experienced clergy.

Addressing the future priests, Metr. Saba stressed that pastors should not isolate themselves in church offices or become “religious businessmen,” but instead actively care for their people through personal spiritual guidance and presence. He also warned the seminarians against fundamentalism and “black and white thinking,” urging them to approach pastoral ministry with discernment and compassion in order to meet the varied needs of their spiritual children.

Also participating in the gathering were Archpriest Michael Nasser, the Archdiocese’s director of spiritual formation, and Dcn. Gabriel Otte, trustee. The event marked one of the final opportunities for fellowship and guidance before the seminarians departed for summer ministry assignments.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Metr. Saba offered guidance on reading.

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