Orthodox bishop called for delicacy in relation to the mentally ill

Metropolitan Sergiy of Voronezh and Liskinsky, taking part in a meeting of the section 'The Church's care for the mentally ill' of the XXVIII Christmas Readings, noted the inadmissibility of a simplified interpretation of mental illness as a punishment of God. After all, the Lord does not want evil and disease - reminded the Head of the working group on pastoral care for the mentally ill.

The 'Thomas' magazine cites the words of Vladyka Sergius, in which he speaks of the need 'with patience and without pretending to immediately understand the meaning of mental illness ... to consider it as something that occurs in our life through the connivance of God' - and remember that 'the mentally ill has the right not only to be considered the image of God, but also the right to be treated as such. ' The latter is especially true for those who constantly come into contact with the mentally ill - doctors, clergymen, relatives and friends of such people.

Metropolitan Sergius reminded me of the idea that spiritual life is indispensable for strong mental health - an oversimplification. After all, mental illness can become for a person exactly the state that will allow him to feel God and accept His love. It is naive to think that only perfect health makes it possible to do things pleasing to God. Human diseases and suffering are mysteriously woven into the plan of salvation, the archpastor reminded the audience - and also expressed satisfaction that the level of cooperation between the Church and medicine in the care of the mentally ill is getting higher from year to year.

Photo: Foma magazine; center 'Turtle'.