I've been reading some things about the Eastern approach to anger, and something stands out to me - in the West a concept of righteous anger is much more prevalent. Also, it seems that such a concept pops up every now and again in modern Orthodox literature as well, but that the Fathers mostly condemn all anger. As someone who has... well, anger issues... I want to know exactly what I need to be doing here. Obviously it would feel sweet to be at peace at all times, but I feel some tension when I think about injustice and such. On top of that, Jesus is specifically described as getting angry once in the Bible. However, I don't like how being a conservative Catholic has become so synonymous with anger. On some "traditional" sites I frequent there is such a ridiculous amount of anger, to the point of people literally wishing death on their enemies, and there's so much mockery and slander. I find it obscene. But where are the lines drawn?

It's been said that anger is, in itself morally neutral. The morality of it depends on the motive for it. If I am angered over some injustice done to God, or to innocent people (as I was/am over the recent desecration of an Orthodox Church in Tunisia), well, that's morally OK.

But if I get angry because of somethig which bruises my ego or hurts my pride, well, that's probably sinful.

And there are people who seem to be deeply and chronically angry all the time, over nothing specific. That might be (or not) an outward manifestation of a mood disorder. Mood disorders need medical treatment and are often bereft of moral guilt. Or at least that guilt is diminished, just like appendicitis or some other illness has no moral meaning.

N.B. that actions people sometimes posit while in the grip of a mood disorder are actionable by civil authorities.

"Acquire the spirit of peace and a thousand souls around you will be saved." Thus said St. Seraphim.

"Do not resent. Do not react. Keep inner stillness." Thus says Metropolitan Jonah of the OCA.

One of the many treasures of the Eastern rites is that the Liturgy begins "In peace let us pray to the Lord...". An attitude of peace is commanded from the onset, and a deepening understanding of that peace is then articulated through the Cherubic Hymn.

A treasure of the Western rite is that the attitude of peace which has prevailed in the Liturgy is commanded to be taken into the world through the dismissal "Go in peace...."

We share that, too: "Let us go forth in peace/In the name of the Lord".

Not to mention: A mercy of peace/the sacrifice of praise.

And: "Let us love one another so that with one mind we may profess/The Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit/The Trinity, one in essence and undivided.

Yes...the unity of mind of the Holy Trinit...so beautifully set forth in the Rublev Icon that is my avatar.