The answer
If I were you, I would not lend my ears to negative comments. Once a person senses that I am not interested in their conversation, they will most likely stop talking. "The north wind brings forth rain and a backbiting tongue an angry countenance" (Proverbs 25:23). Instead, I would share with them my positive experience with the priest. You have mentioned that you have learned a lot from his lectures. Share with them what you have learned. If they don't listen, then it is better to quit because we should not speak evil about the rulers of our people. "You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people" (Acts 23: 5).Answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab)