Stewardship and Giving in the Orthodox Church: A Guide For Everyone

In the Orthodox tradition, giving and stewardship reflect our gratitude to God, our commitment to our spiritual family, and our desire to participate meaningfully in the life of the Church. Whether you have been Orthodox since birth, converted recently, or are just discovering Orthodoxy, understanding how to give financially to the Church is essential and spiritually enriching.

What is Tithing, and Is It Required?

Before exploring Orthodox perspectives, it's helpful to understand the historical and scriptural roots of tithing.

Tithing traditionally means giving 10% of your income to the Church. In Orthodoxy, however, tithing isn't viewed strictly as an obligation or a legalistic rule. Instead, it's encouraged as an ideal practice—a meaningful benchmark reflecting generosity and trust in God's providence.

Orthodox theologians and Church Fathers, such as St. John Chrysostom, remind us that giving should come from the heart, generously and willingly:

"Let us not give grudgingly nor of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7)

In practical terms, each Orthodox Christian is encouraged to reflect prayerfully on their financial situation and give in a way that honors God, supports their local parish, and expresses genuine gratitude.

Beyond Tithing: Special Offerings and Donations

While tithing forms a core part of regular giving, there are also meaningful opportunities to express personal gratitude through special offerings. These offerings deepen our connection to God and our community, reflecting both personal thankfulness and the theological understanding that everything we receive is ultimately from God’s grace.

In addition to regular giving, it is customary in Orthodox communities to make specific financial gifts related to particular occasions and sacramental events:

•        House Blessings: Offering a monetary donation when a priest blesses your home is a traditional way to show appreciation for his time and pastoral care.

•        Baptisms, Weddings, and Funerals: There are intentionally no official price tags or fixed charges for these sacred events. The reason is theological and spiritual: Orthodox Christianity sees sacraments and blessings as sacred gifts from God, which cannot be bought or sold. As the Gospel teaches, "Freely you have received; freely give." (Matthew 10:8). Therefore, contributions should reflect personal gratitude and ability, rather than a prescribed amount. Priests do not expect a specific donation. It is customary, however, to prepare a cash gift and present it privately to the priest immediately after the service concludes, as priests typically do not have the means for digital payments or credit card transactions during these spiritual events.

•        Church Holidays and Special Appeals: During significant liturgical celebrations, many parishioners contribute extra donations, especially during Pascha (Easter), Christmas, or when special needs arise within the parish community.

Supporting the Priesthood: A Shared Responsibility

Our stewardship directly enables our priests to dedicate themselves fully to parish life, ensuring vibrant spiritual leadership.

It's important to understand that in Orthodoxy, priesthood is not merely a job—it's a sacred calling. Orthodox priests dedicate their entire lives to pastoral care, spiritual guidance, and serving the community. Unlike many other traditions, Orthodox priests are typically not permitted to hold secular employment to support their families. They rely entirely on the generosity and support of the parish.

Thus, when parishioners contribute financially, they are directly supporting their priest, his family, and the ministries he leads. This support is essential for maintaining the priest’s ability to fully dedicate himself to the spiritual and pastoral needs of the community.

Understanding Orthodox Stewardship

Orthodox stewardship isn't just about giving money—it's about nurturing a lifestyle of generosity. Giving should be regular, intentional, and proportionate to one's means. It’s deeply connected with gratitude for God’s blessings and a commitment to support the Church's ministries and missions.

The Orthodox perspective emphasizes that everything we have is ultimately God’s gift. By returning a portion of these blessings, we affirm our trust in God's continued provision and care.

Practical Steps to Meaningful Stewardship

1.     Reflect Prayerfully: Consider your financial situation and family responsibilities prayerfully to decide an appropriate level of giving.

2.     Regular Commitment: Establish a consistent pattern of giving, whether weekly, monthly, or annually, to help your parish plan effectively.

3.     Communicate Openly: Talk with your priest or parish council if you have questions about giving practices or specific needs in your church community.

4.     Give Joyfully: Remember, stewardship is most meaningful when offered willingly and joyfully, rather than out of obligation or guilt.

Scriptural and Patristic Wisdom

The Holy Scriptures and Church Fathers consistently encourage joyful and sacrificial giving:

•        "Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops." (Proverbs 3:9) 

•        St. Basil the Great: "The bread which you do not use is the bread of the hungry; the garment hanging in your wardrobe is the garment of him who is naked."

Conclusion: A Community Built on Generosity

By embracing generous and joyful stewardship, every member of our parish—regardless of their journey or experience—helps build a vibrant, caring, and spiritually enriching community. Together, we honor God, sustain our parish's ministry, and continue the timeless tradition of Orthodox generosity.

May your giving always reflect your gratitude, faith, and joyful participation in the Church’s life.