Metr. Saba: Technology Must Remain a Servant, Not a Master

Photo: Metropolitan Saba Esper / Facebook

ENGLEWOOD, NJ — Metr. Saba of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America has urged Christians to exercise discipline and discernment in their use of social media, warning that technology can become spiritually harmful when it begins to dominate a person's life rather than serve it.

In a reflection published June 4, the hierarch recounted advice given decades ago by Archimandrite Isaac Atallah, a disciple of St. Paisios the Athonite. When questioned in the 1980s about the newly introduced home video player, Fr. Isaac responded that the problem was not the device itself but the user's ability to turn it off when it became harmful. Metr. Saba suggested the same principle applies today to social media platforms and digital technologies.

His Eminence argued that online platforms often magnify human weaknesses, encourage impulsive reactions, and make it easier for people to spread rumors, expose private matters, or pass judgment without sufficient knowledge. He warned that harm caused through public online comments can be difficult or impossible to repair, even after a person recognizes his mistake and repents.

Our spiritual literature tells the story that St. Macarius once asked to see hell, and his request was granted in a vision. Among the things he saw were people hanging by their tongues from spears while fire burned beneath them. When he asked about their sin, he was told: These are the ones who spread secrets and carried rumors from house to house.

If we apply this story to our present reality, what will be the judgment of those who publicly disgrace others and expose their secrets before millions of readers on the internet?

Drawing on examples from Orthodox spiritual tradition, including teachings associated with St. Silouan the Athonite and St. Macarius, Metr. Saba encouraged believers to approach technology prayerfully and with self-control. He recommended avoiding unprofitable content and dedicating periods each day to living without electronic devices. Such practices, he said, can help cultivate inner peace, spiritual attentiveness, and a more purposeful Christian life.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Metr. Saba honored Warren Farha of Eighth Day Books.

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