[immoceefe]

Perhaps one Lenten exercise would be to learn how to struggle with a difficult situation without anger. If the only way to deal with it without anger is to not deal with it, then I think that is certainly a noble step. But to deal with something difficult with dispassion is a step into the sublime realm. The case at hand, then, is really not the issue, for purposes of this forum.

Rather, how does a faithful person respond to problems in the Church as they arise with the right spiritual disposition? I doubt there is or should be a one size fits all response. Some will be more in the know (regarding canon law, things like that) than others. Let's say, for example, that a parishioner knows the doctrine of the Incarnation backwards and forwards, so to speak, and hears his priest give a sermon that is just, well, dead wrong. Not one in fifty in the parish may even have noticed. What is he to do? Thankfully, this sort of problem does not come up much in Orthodoxy. Our priests are generally well grounded theologically (at least regarding its content). So I am only using this as a hypothetical. But, again, there is a problem presented that he did not cause. And perhaps he cannot do anything to change. So is he to remain silent and protect his serenity? Avoid conflict that may have repercussions more toward him, if he brings the matter up with the priest or the bishop? Or is he to say something? Wait until Lent is over? What if the same priest were his own father-confessor? How does he deal with it then? Not inconsequential questions. It is a matter of discernment, and also, let's face it, there is risk involved. Perhaps silence and contrition is the key, and prayer. But perhaps that would not be the right approach in every case, for every person? Maybe he should sit on the steps of the Church and eat red meat during Lenten services????