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Questions & Answers

Priesthood

Faith Q&A › Metropolitan Youssef › The Sacraments › Priesthood

The question

My brother and I were always under the same impression that a priest is called by God through the Holy Spirit, instead of being chosen by a congregation. In the back of my mind, I have always wondered how a godly man who is a priest can have qualities that aren't Christ like. Once I became aware of the process of choosing a priest, I cannot help but question even further a priest's qualifications. How can I trust that he is truly chosen by God and not just by people?

The answer

The nomination of a candidate for the office of the priest is a very serious matter which requires extensive prayers, background information, recommendations, approval of clergy and congregation, and the blessings of his spiritual/confession father and the overseeing bishop. It would be unreasonable to assume that every priest will be unanimously approved by every member of the church. The church and the candidate are guided by the Holy Spirit. Once the candidate is ordained, we continue to prayer for him, his family, the church, and the congregation which he is appointed to serve, so that the Holy Spirit continues to guide him and them with sound doctrine, love, wisdom, and fruitful service.

Answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab)

Related questions

Questions answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab) of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. Question 1495 on the Diocese’s Q&A site. Questions and answers © Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. All rights reserved.