[bataovady]

Later this month, my two youngest son's and I will be received into the Orthodox Church.

In my former protestant tradition, one would present the pastor with a cash ‘gift’ when he performed services such as baptisms, weddings and what not. Is such a thing expected and permissible in the Orthodox Church? If so, I’d appreciate some guidance as to monetary amounts.

[LypeReexy]

The word is remuneration -- probably a typo.

I would use common sense.

$150 sounds about right to me.

[VladFal]

I say 250.00 Owen, if Duane can afford it. People in the oil and gas business are raising prices which is effecting alot of other products. Usually Duane whatever you give is appreciated very much.

In Christ,

Matthew Panchisin

[Garry Richardson]

Later this month, my two youngest son's and I will be received into the Orthodox Church.

May I suggest you check with the parish council president? Often there is an established amount for various special occasions at the church which the council has discussed and determined.

When I was received, I gave no monetary gift to the priest.

When my priest served a panikhida for the anniversary of my first husband's repose, I gave him $50 gift card for a local quick-stop gas station because I know that he spends a good deal of money on gas. The gift cards were a deliberate gift rather than writing him a check or giving him cash.

Athanasia

[justashonglefan]

I second Athanasia's advice on checking what, if any, is the "going rate" (horrible terminology, I know) at your church. Of course, this doesn't stop you from contributing more than the accepted amount if you wish. I was recently at a church (not the one I attend) where our church's choir was invited to sing at a wedding. At the end of the service, the priest paid our choirmistress the "going rate", and added another hundred on top, because they did such a good job, in his opinion.

[ppfpooghn]

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Yes. I second the second.

It is customery to check with the elder and often the envelope with the priest's name on it and cash or check inside, is given to the elder to pass on to the priest. The elder knows the local practice.

If a person is really poor, priests have been known to waver their fees.

James