Prevarication - is it a sin when committed by the clergy?

(All of us are judged by our own deeds.)

The date is March 19, 2009. It is approximately noon. A parishioner is pulling out of a parking space at St. Sophia’s side of the Prophet Elias parking lot. About 40 feet away Fr. Michael is driving in front of the church going towards the south exit of the parking lot. As Fr. Michael is signaling to turn left at the south exit of the lot, the parishioner calls Fr. Michael on his cell phone and asks to talk to him about a religious/community-related matter.

His response is verbatim as follows: “I cannot talk to you right now; I am at the University Hospital visiting a patient.” A great response ... if it only were true.

While he is giving the above response, the parishioner is in a car, only 40-50 feet behind him at the Prophet Elias church parking lot. The parishioner is left speechless in the car. Fr. Michael drives away happy that his work for God is done right again.

Άραγες ο σκοπός αγιάζει τα μέσα?
Άλλοι που ξέρουνε λένε οτι δεν είναι η πρώτη φορά
Παράδειγμα προς μίμησιν?

Should we as parishioners emulate his example?

This Proistamenos Must Go (TPMG).

Kalo Pascha,

Nick J. Colessides