Question: "Tithes" in the Orthodox Church

[ClementofRome]

Greetings,

I want to thank you all very much for continuing to allow me to ask questions and probe and prod.

How do Orthodox churches handle giving to the church? Is there a dogma concerning "tithing?" How is it done?

Personally, I dislike the "passing of the plate" method in Protestant churches. As I get paid once a month, I give once a month....that means that there are three other weeks (sometimes 4) that I am putting nothing in the offering plate. I would rather mail my check to the treasurer once a month!

Just curious as to how it is handled in your churches.

Blessings,
Clem

[Matrona]

Personally, I dislike the "passing of the plate" method in Protestant churches.

I hate that, too. Some Orthodox churches have that, but at mine we have a jar in the back where people leave donations--or they can just hand them to the church treasurer afterwards, since everybody knows who she is. :)

[InnerPhyre]

My priest expects every member to tithe, but it's not like you'll get the boot if you don't. It's just that we are a very small parish and we literally keep our doors open just barely week to week, so if a few people don't give, we are in serious trouble. My priest hasn't even received a salary for a couple of months.

[Dewi Sant]

I do not like the method of passing the plate (or in my churches case, the basket).

I know you are meant to give only what you can but you do feel that you should give as if the person next to you were looking.


I don't have a job and am still at highschool so I can't give any money, fortunatly since joining the choir I don't have the weekly guilt trip (as the plate isn't passed round the choir).




I personally prefer the monthly payment idea followed by the offerings box at the back of the church.



My church still needs to buy a building so there is a little pressure to spend, if I had a job I truely would give 10+%.

[Theophorus]

It varies from parish to parish. Some ask you to commit to a certain amount per month or year. Others pass the basket. Still some have an alms box in the narthex. Others have a combination.

And there is the "candle donation".
Just give what you can. I prefer the basket and alms box approach. I have reservations about commiting long term to a certain amount. Who knows what tommorrow may bring?
I can then give as I am able without the guilt of not living up to my pledge.

At my parish not everyone gives weekly, some throw a check in once a month, some place an envelope sporadically. I always give in cash. I like it to be anonymous, and I fold it in a way that no one can see the amount. It could be $1, or it could be $100.

[Gnisios]

Orthodox Tradition is clear my beloved friends: Give whatever you can and according to what God has put in your heart. I personally don't like the 'basket' going around. In any case, there is no rule on the ammount of money you must offer. Some people may also choose to donate clothes, food, or other goods instead. Everything is accepted and everything can be used for a sacred purpose.

[ClementofRome]

Orthodox Tradition is clear my beloved friends: Give whatever you can and according to what God has put in your heart. I personally don't like the 'basket' going around. In any case, there is no rule on the ammount of money you must offer. Some people may also choose to donate clothes, food, or other goods instead. Everything is accepted and everything can be used for a sacred purpose.

Thank you Father. What an amazing response. I am so in agreement with that sentiment. But, how do we weigh our responsibility? I know that we need to be faithful with our giving. Should we plan a "tithe" (10%)? The last 2 years my wife and I have given 5% pre-tax income to the church, which, in fact, is 10% of our tiny church's annual budget. I know you say "what God has put on the heart," but maybe Protestantism has placed an unrealistic burden on me, or maybe the OT concept of "tithe" has done this....

Sorry to vent... I so appreciate the responses to the inquiry.

Blessings,
Clement

[Gnisios]

Thank you Father. What an amazing response. I am so in agreement with that sentiment. But, how do we weigh our responsibility? I know that we need to be faithful with our giving. Should we plan a "tithe" (10%)? The last 2 years my wife and I have given 5% pre-tax income to the church, which, in fact, is 10% of our tiny church's annual budget. I know you say "what God has put on the heart," but maybe Protestantism has placed an unrealistic burden on me, or maybe the OT concept of "tithe" has done this....

Sorry to vent... I so appreciate the responses to the inquiry.

Blessings,
Clement

The measure is maturity my dear brother. Maturity can't be counted with 5 or 50 or 70 percent. Maturity can't be enforced by rules either. Maturity is a stage we all strive for. In some areas of our life we have achieved it and in some other we are still growing. When a Christian comes to understand the needs of his fellow people, the work of the Church, and the unlimited blessings of God, then he is mature enough to donate and offer from what he considers to be his own heart share/gratitude. Without this understanding, tithing can be a burden or mere legalism. Plan nothing but let God show you.

God bless you richly! :)