I think there is a such a thing as righteous anger, and that such an anger can be good. How does one justifiy defense of their own life, otherwise? Isn't it anger that is roused when one sees the strong oppressing the weak? Wasn't it anger, at least in some measure, that led to any just war?
Maybe I'm not understanding what he's really getting at, and it's not that I don't think chronic, distended anger doesn't smother your soul, but I don't think anger is always bad or even destructive.
I believe your point may be addressed here by making a distinction of sinful anger versus the righteous anger to which you referred.
Traditional Orthodox anthropology divides the powers of the soul into three faculties. One of these faculties is known as the "incensive" faculty (can't remember the Greek term.)
Each of the three faculties is proper to our nature, and has a way that it was intended to be used. Each has been corrupted by the fall.
The negative, fallen application of our incensive faculty is anger and hatred. It is directed at others, and sometimes at ourselves. it is always sinful.
The positive application or manifestation of the incensive faculty is manifested in our fervor and zeal to avoid sin, and in our willingness and determination to mortify our own flesh -- through fasting, standing, and keeping vigil at prayer -- in order to bring our souls and bodies into right order and into communion with God. As the Scripture says, "the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and violent men take it by force."
This violence is not directed at others -- but at our own sinful nature and weakness. It is like the marathon runner pushing on mile after mile in spite of weather, pain, and fatigue...
I'll try to find some of the source texts where this is discussed. It is really useful in gaining an understanding of the Orthodox mind.
+Paul reminds us that none of us is righteous. Sin cannot be corrected with sin. If we do what our nature demands it is sin. We can hate the sin but not the sinner. Forgiveness is a commandment, which should come from our hearts.
We live in a fallen world where conflict is imposed upon us but others or by our own pride and arrogance. We find ourselves outraged or pushed to do things that are inherently wrong -- and we do it as a greater or lesser evil but evil nonetheless.