Nigeria, Feb. 3 -- Anyone who falls and does not want people to talk about it had better not fall like a man I know did, years ago.

It was a Sunday service at one of the Orthodox churches. The verger followed the priest closely with the pastoral staff delicately balanced in his hands as the pastoral team members made their way to the temple. Suddenly, the verger or macebearer missed his step. As he was about to stumble, he spoke the language of the elders to wit. That sounds esoteric. I will explain presently.

The words were not too audible, but the priest heard him clearly. The Man of God (MoG) threw a furtive glance at the macebearer who pretended as if nothing happened. The procession continued. The service held and ended. After the...