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# Met. Saba Clarifies Meaning of Spiritual Fatherhood
- URL: https://uoj.news/news/85497-met-saba-clarifies-meaning-of-spiritual-fatherhood/
- Published: 2025-10-27T16:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-25T16:09:34.000Z
- Description: The term “elder,” not “spiritual father,” reflects the authentic Orthodox understanding of spiritual guidance, His Eminence states.
- Author: Aaron Hickman
- Tags: #Category: News, Antiochian Orthodox Church, Antiochian Archdiocese of North America, Metropolitan Saba (Isper)

**ENGLEWOOD, NJ —** His Eminence [Met. Saba](https://uoj.news/tag/metropolitan-saba-isper-1051) of the [Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America](https://uoj.news/tag/antiochian-archdiocese-of-north-america-1107) recently published a reflection in which he clarifies the Orthodox understanding of what it means to be a "spiritual father."

At a time when many are exploring Orthodoxy and searching for guidance, those entering the Church discover the need for one who can be trusted to instruct and impart wisdom. However, many have lost sight of what this truly means in the context of our lived Orthodox faith.

"The Orthodox tradition does not recognize the phrase 'spiritual father,'" His Eminence writes. "This is a modern term that appeared in Western languages, possibly influenced by Catholic spirituality. The Orthodox tradition uses the term 'elder,' which corresponds to geronda in Greek and starets in Russian."

Met. Saba continues by saying that the Orthodox tradition also does not recognize the "academic method that one follows to obtain the role of a spiritual father." The only path, he says, is discipleship under an experienced elder to grow in "the life in Christ."

The reflection can be read in its entirety [here](https://www.antiochian.org/regulararticle/2608). 

Previously, [UOJ reported](https://uoj.news/news/85444-met-saba-offers-powerful-reflection-on-episcopacy/) that Met. Saba had offered a powerful reflection on the episcopacy.