- May 4, 2020
- 303
- 405
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- United States
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- Eastern Orthodox
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***ORTHODOX ANSWERS ONLY PLEASE!***
What is it with some priests discouraging their parishioners from visiting monasteries?
I've heard different stories about this. I've heard it said that the priest might be nervous that parishioners will tithe to the monasteries instead of their parish. Or, that they will stop attending their home parish altogether and swap to a parish affiliated with a monastery. I've also heard that priests have horror stories of over-zealous people becoming infatuated with what they imagine the monastic life to be, instead of the reality, so they are nervous about a spiritual disaster for their flock.
Any experience or thoughts on this?
What is it with some priests discouraging their parishioners from visiting monasteries?
I've heard different stories about this. I've heard it said that the priest might be nervous that parishioners will tithe to the monasteries instead of their parish. Or, that they will stop attending their home parish altogether and swap to a parish affiliated with a monastery. I've also heard that priests have horror stories of over-zealous people becoming infatuated with what they imagine the monastic life to be, instead of the reality, so they are nervous about a spiritual disaster for their flock.
Any experience or thoughts on this?