Metr. Saba Warns of Secular Drift in Church Life and Mission

ENGLEWOOD, NJ — In a continuation of his reflections on secularism, Metr. Saba argues that a weakening of prayer and ascetic life can gradually reshape the Church’s identity from within. He warns that when spiritual practice is reduced to routine and replaced by administrative priorities, the Church risks losing its primary mission of sanctifying and guiding believers toward the Kingdom of God.

He describes secularism not as overt rejection of faith, but as a subtle reorientation toward structures, programs, and measurable outcomes. In such conditions, pastoral life can become dominated by meetings, planning, and institutional maintenance, while neglecting personal repentance and interior transformation. This shift, he argues, leaves the Church functioning more as an organization than a living spiritual body.

Citing Fr. Alexander Schmemann, he reiterates that the Church is “in the world but not of the world,” and points to post–Vatican II developments as an example of activism overshadowing spiritual depth. He also references Mother Teresa of Calcutta's recognition of how worldliness and organizational excess can enter ecclesial humanitarian work.

He further warns that ecclesial media and fundraising efforts can drift from spiritual purpose when detached from prayer, turning ministry into self-promotion rather than service.

Previously, the UOJ reported that that Metr. Saba encouraged the faithful during a visit to Eastern Canada.