Spiritual Duty and Unified Leadership
Metropolitan Tikhon, as the highest spiritual leader of the Church, is obliged to express his position not so much based on personal beliefs, but rather because of his responsibility for the fate of the entire community. Even if he personally believes that the accused are innocent, his words must reflect the highest principles that mandate caring for the well-being of the Church and its believers. A refusal to take a political stance or remaining silent could create danger for the unity and spiritual leadership that, in critical times, require a clear and unified response.For example, as noted in one of the sources, “In a difficult time for the Church, Metropolitan Tikhon made decisions not at his own discretion, but according to God’s will and solely for the salvation of the Church and the people. Patriarch Tikhon and Metropolitan Sergius are not separate, private individuals who can think only of themselves” (source: link txt). This emphasizes that his decisions are dictated by a higher purpose—a spiritual mission and a concern for the fate of the Church—which obliges him to speak up even in matters where his personal opinion may seem contradictory.It is also highlighted that the Church’s leader is expected to be ready to make sacrifices and set aside personal preferences if the salvation of the church people depends on it. As stated in another quote: “Patriarch Tikhon and Metropolitan Sergius viewed their actions as the fulfillment of God’s will… For them, it was never their own fate at stake, but the fate of the Church and its people as a whole” (source: link txt). Thus, even if personal beliefs might contradict the commonly accepted position or society’s expectations, the duty of a spiritual leader requires him to articulate a clear and consistent position aimed at the common good.In summary, Metropolitan Tikhon is compelled to make a statement to prevent the disintegration of the Church’s unity, to affirm its spiritual direction, and to show that decisions are made not by personal discretion, but in accordance with a higher will and for the salvation of the entire church community.