Should I support my Orthodox brother who is arguing with heretics?

LETTER 695

Question: "If the heretic happens to be arguing better than the Orthodox brother during this discussion, is it then good perhaps for me to support the latter as much as I can, lest he be harmed in the Orthodox faith by losing the debate?"

Response: If you enter into any conversation, speaking publicly before God and people, then you are considered to be the one teaching. Moreover, if one teaches without having authority to do so, then one’s words are not in fact assured by God but remain fruitless. So, if there is no benefit in your speaking, why is it necessary for you to speak at all? If, however, you truly want to be of assistance, then speak within your heart to God, who knows our secrets [cf. Rom 2:16] and is able to accomplish far more than we could ask for. [Cf. Eph 3:20] He will deal with those who are debating, in accordance with his will, while you will find humility through this.

This situation resembles someone who imprisons another person by force and without just reason. When a third person sees what has happened, although he cannot do or say anything in opposition, yet he may go secretly to a more powerful person, who will send for the first person’s release on his own authority. Meanwhile, the one who imprisoned that man is troubled because he does not actually know who reported it. The same also applies here. Let us approach God in the prayer of our hearts for our faith and for our brothers; then he who swore unto himself [cf. Gen 22:16]: "that he desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth" [1 Tim 2:4] and life will do with them according to his will.

- Romanian Philokalia, Vol. 11 (Spiritual Letters of St. Barsanuphius and John). English translation from Barsanuphius and John, Letters, Volume 2, translated by John Chryssavgis, Washington, D.C.: CUA Press, 2007, pp. 249-250.