Archbishop Irenaios of Crete

NO FACEBOOK FOR PRIESTS – Really?

NO FACEBOOK FOR PRIESTS
APRIL 22, 2010
ATHENS, GREECE
(Source: kathimerini)

A prominent bishop has warned priests to take extra care when using Facebook and perhaps even avoid the social networking site altogether to avoid becoming embroiled in situations that could embarass the Church.

Archbishop Irenaios of Crete sent a circular yesterday in which he advises priests to be cautious when either posting messages or setting up a profile on Facebook. “It is a precautionary measure so that our priests do not get involved in matters the extent of which they do not fully comprehend,” he told Kathimerini.

The social networking site is becoming an increasingly popular way for priests to keep in touch with their faithful. “Worshippers often ask to confess their mistakes,” said Father Pavlos, a priest from Thessaloniki who has more than 1,500 Facebook friends. “The distance seems to help and makes young people, especially, feel more comfortable expressing themselves.”

(It is FABULOUS and NECESSARY that ALL spiritual beings, teachers and practitioners be in Social Networks. Social Networks are inherently spiritual, tapping into the emotional sub-strata of humanity ~ Nathaniel Hansen).