Orthodox & Tithing

[tizziale]

What is the Orthodox position on Tithing?

 

[Philip]

We contribute what we can. The actual amount/percentage is a matter between the you and your spiritual father.

 

[nicodemus]

It probably differs in place to place. I would imagine somewhere like Greece where the Church is the official state religion, individula tithing isn't as important because the government provides a lot of money (which is actually the people's money anyway.)

Here in the US, where Orthodoxy is one religion amongst thousands, I've always assumed we go the 10% route. However, Philip's answer also makes sense. I've recently gotten a book of essays edited by Anthony Scott called Good and Faithful Servant: Stewardship in the Orthodox Church. It includes essays by the likes of Jaroslav Pelikan, Hilarion Alfeyev, John Chryssavgis, Thomas Hopko, Stanley Harakas, John Erickson, Susan Ashbrook, etc.

 

[Philip]

Here in the US, where Orthodoxy is one religion amongst thousands, I've always assumed we go the 10% route. However, Philip's answer also makes sense.

I think 10% is the generally accept standard. However, we should not chastize those who can not give 10%. Also, there are those for whom giving 10% is trivial.