The Archbishop of Tomis, IPS Teodosie, describes mental illnesses as “weaknesses” and states that they can be caused by stressful “moments” in life, such as panic or a scare. According to him, in the case of children with mental illnesses, the problems would be related to the sins of the parents.
ÎPS Teodosie made a series of controversial statements. PHOTO Calin Gavrilas (Archive)
“They are even consecrated prayers and show that man can rise above these weaknesses, because mental illnesses are closely related to human life, for children they are closely related to the sins of the parents. Certain moments in life, fear, panic, can lead to mental illness and sure, these mental illnesses are so diverse“, said the archbishop of Tomis, on Radio Dobrogea, according to News.ro.
ÎPS Teodosie stated that many sick people who prayed with “determination, sacrifice and love” received more significant help from prayer than from medication for these conditions.
“And I must say that many of those who were able to come with all the determination, sacrifice and love to pray to God and receive help received more help through prayer than through certain medications for mental deficiencies, and God overcomes every weakness“, Teodosie added.
The statements of the Archbishop of Tomis were made during a weekly radio show, where he was asked about the recommended prayers for mental illnesses. However, Teodosie did not specify what the concrete prayers are for people affected by mental illnesses.
Controversial statements of ÎPS Teodosie
Recently, during a show on the same radio station, a married woman asked the archbishop what to do if she wanted to wear a headscarf to an event, but the family was ashamed of the gesture.
“A married woman should not walk with her head uncovered. How can he be ashamed? Even if he puts on a hat, a beret, but his head is not uncovered. If someone has so many whims, cover your head with something“, replied ÎPS Teodosie.
It is not the only statement of Theodosius that has caused controversy. A few weeks ago, ÎPS Teodosie advised a woman who asked how she could escape from a relationship with an abusive husband to “carry the cross“, emphasizing that he received “the mystery of the wedding”.
